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Copyright N®_ 




COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT, 


















JIM MASON, SCOUT 

ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR 



By ELMER R. GREGOR 


JIM MASON, BACKWOODSMAN 
JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Western Indian Series.. 
WHITE OTTER 
THE WAR TRAIL 
THREE SIOUX SCOUTS 


Eastern Indian Series 
SPOTTED DEER 
RUNNING FOX 
THE WHITE WOLF 






J 













KICHKINET LOST HIS BALANCE AND TOPPLED OUT. 


[page 5] 




JIM MASON, 

SCOUT 


BY 


ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR 


AUTHOR OF “JIM MASON, BACKWOODSMAN, 


y y 


{( 


SPOTTED DEER, 


> > (( 


THE WHITE WOLF,” ETC. 



D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 

NEW YORK : : 1923 : : LONDON 









COPTRIGHT, 1923, BY 
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 

9 

C * 

I ♦ , 


•O / nOfO / 

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 


©C1A7G0175 



CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 

I. The Rapids. 

II. Jim Rejoins Old Friends . 

III. A Conference with Colonel John¬ 

son . 

IV. An Interesting Journey . 

V. Jim Embarks for Virginia 

YI. An Adventure at Sea. 

VII. Jim Becomes A Scout for General 
Braddock. 

VIII. Fort Cumberland .. 

IX. An Awkward Situation . . 

X. A Gloomy Prophecy . . . 

XI. Scouting. 

XII. An Ambush. 

XIII. The Broken Army ...... 

XIV. Tidings of Defeat. 

XV. Off to Caughnawaga. 


PAGE 

1 

14 

26 

40 

62 

74 


87 

101 

123 



149 

164 

182 

195 

206 











CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 

XVI. The Council Fire. 

XVII. Jim Leads a War Party 
XVIII. A Cautious Advance . 

XIX. A Narrow Escape. 

XX. The Battle at Lake George . 


PAGE 

. 214 

. 228 
. 237 
. 250 

. 261 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 

ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR 



/ 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 

CHAPTER I 
THE RAPIDS 

H AYING- passed the winter with the Mo¬ 
hawks at Caughnawaga, Jim Mason, a 
young trader, and his friend Kichkinet, a young 
Mohawk warrior, were returning to Fort John¬ 
son with a consignment of furs. Aided by Colo¬ 
nel William Johnson, Jim had begun his career 
as a trader the previous year. At that time he 
had been commissioned by Colonel Johnson to 
overcome the influence of Pierre La Yalle, a 
wily half-breed, in the employ of the French 
who were attempting to win the Mohawks from 
the English. After many exciting adventures 
Jim finally exposed the treachery of La Yalle, 
and left him a prisoner in the hands of the in¬ 
furiated Mohawks who had condemned him to 
death. However, while Jim was absent on a 
visit to Fort Johnson, La Yalle and his confed¬ 
erate, a white rogue named Stockley, succeeded 

l 


JIM MASON , SCOUT 


in making a mysterious escape from the Mo¬ 
hawk camp. The circumstances led Jim to 
suspect old Da-yo-ho-go, a crafty Mohawk 
Medicine Man. The latter was a staunch 
defender of La Valle, and an implacable foe of 
the English colonists. Jim, however, was care¬ 
ful to conceal his suspicions from Kichkinet, 
for the young Mohawk, like all his people, 
regarded the old Medicine Man with supersti¬ 
tious awe and respect. Jim determined, there¬ 
fore, to say little about the escape until he 
reached the settlement and told his story to 
Colonel Johnson. 

The lads made a striking appearance as they 
paddled rapidly along the river w T hich had 
received its name from the powerful Mohawks, 
who had located their villages along its winding 
course. Seated in the stern of the bark canoe, 
Jim was a splendid specimen of the young fron¬ 
tiersman. He was tall and robust, with dark 
eyes and long black hair that fell loosely about 
his shoulders. He wore a coonskin cap, and 
was dressed in buckskins. A long-barreled 
flint-lock rifle lay within easy reach in the 
bottom of the canoe. Kichkinet, who sat in the 
opposite end of the canoe, was a typical young 
Mohawk warrior. His head was shaved, except 
a narrow crest of hair which extended back 

2 




TEE RAPIDS 


from the center of his forehead and terminated 
in a scalp-lock on his crown. He was bare 
above the waist, but his limbs were clothed in 
buckskin breeches. His bow and quiver were 
close beside him. 

The day was two-thirds gone, and Jim and 
his companion expected to reach Fort Johnson 
before dark. The river was high and rapid 
from the spring freshets, and the little bark 
canoe floated swiftly with the water. They 
were approaching a spot which filled Jim with 
sad memories. It was a long, rock-strewn 
stretch of swift water in which his father had 
been drowned two years before. At sunset 
they came in sight of it. Jim immediately 
turned the canoe toward shore. They disem¬ 
barked, and dragged the canoe from the water. 
Then they took stout rawhide thongs and bound 
the bundle of furs, and their blankets and 
weapons, to the braces that extended across the 
center of the canoe. 

Having taken the usual precautions, they 
launched the canoe and paddled toward the 
rapids. When they were within bowshot Jim 
rose and carefully studied the long stretch of 
tossing w 7 hitecaps. There was an ominous chal¬ 
lenge in the sullen roar of the river, and Jim’s 
face grew dark and serious at the sound. 

3 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


“It is the home of the Water Monsters,” de¬ 
clared the superstitions young Mohawk. 

“It is the place where my father died,” Jim 
replied, soberly. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

A few moments afterwards they approached 
the head of the rapids. Jim exchanged the 
paddle for a long iron-shod pole. He had 
passed through many similar places, and his 
experienced eye soon selected the proper course. 

“Hold straight ahead,” he said. 

The Mohawk nodded. 

Then they entered the rapids, and the canoe 
plunged forward on the perilous dash down the 
treacherous rocky course. Once in the grip of 
the waters there was little to do but steer. Jim 
braced his feet and took a firm grip on the guid¬ 
ing pole. Kichkinet watched the swirling 
water, and held his paddle ready to prevent a 
crash against submerged bowlders. They were 
the great peril. It was comparatively easy to 
avoid the rocks which rose above the w r ater, but 
there was constant danger of striking unseen 
bowlders that lay hidden beneath the surface 
of the river. Many of them were betrayed by 
the white water that boiled about them, and Jim 
was quick to heed such warnings. There were 
others, however, that lurked beneath smooth, 

4 





THE RAPIDS 


gliding billows, and it was those which were the 
most treacherous. The canoe had reached the 
center of the rapids and was sweeping forward 
at tremendous speed, when Jim suddenly dis¬ 
covered one of the pitfalls directly ahead of 
him. 

“Turn out, turn out!” he cried, excitedly. 

Kichkinet made a desperate attempt to avoid 
the danger, but his efforts were useless. The 
canoe was driven broadside against the sub¬ 
merged bowlder. The frail craft careened far 
over on one side, and Kichkinet lost his bal¬ 
ance and toppled out. Jim dropped to his 
knees and grabbed wildly at the Mohawk, but 
Kichkinet sank as the canoe flashed past him. 
Jim glanced back and saw him clinging to a 
large rock that rose some distance above the 
water. For the moment he appeared to be 
safe, and Jim gave attention to the canoe. The 
weight of the furs kept it on an even keel. 
Then Jim again looked back and saw that Kich¬ 
kinet had climbed upon the rock, beyond reach 
of the w T ater. Jim felt somewhat relieved. A 
few moments later he passed safely from the 
rapids, and paddled to the shore. 

“Here is a bad fix,” Jim told himself. 

Although Kichkinet appeared to be in no im¬ 
mediate peril, Jim realized that it would be dif- 

5 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


ficult to rescue him from his predicament. 
There seemed hut one thing to do, and that was 
to unload the canoe and carry it hack to the 
head of the rapids. Jim untied and lifted out 
the furs and other things. Then he arranged 
the paddles so that he might carry the canoe. 
He raised it, and started away through the 
woods. There was no trail on that side of the 
river, and the uneven rocky ground was covered 
with an exasperating tangle of undergrowth. 
It was impossible to move swiftly, and Jim 
raged at the delay. He feared that Kichkinet 
might make a rash attempt to swim to land be¬ 
fore he reached him. The thought startled 
him, for he knew that in such an inferno of 
water the strongest swimmer would he power¬ 
less. In fact it seemed miraculous that Kich¬ 
kinet had been able to save himself by grasping 
the bowlder that had threatened him with 
destruction. 

“He knows I will go back—he will wait,” 
Jim assured himself. 

As he hurried wildly through the under¬ 
growth he kept a sharp watch for the rock upon 
which the Mohawk had taken refuge. It 
seemed a great distance back. At last he 
saw what appeared to be the bowlder upon 
which he had last seen Kichkinet. Jim groaned 

6 




TEE RAPIDS 


as he noted that the rock was hare. What had 
become of the Mohawk? Jim feared to guess. 
He lowered the canoe from his shoulders, and 
looked upon the wild tumult of waters with 
gloomy misgivings. Escape seemed impos¬ 
sible. A bowshot below the rock a great black 
whirlpool appeared to lead down into the 
depths of the rapids. Jim shuddered as he 
watched it. Had Kichkinet been drawn into the 
death-trap? At that moment Jim discovered 
something turning swiftly about in the center of 
the boiling pool. His heart filled with sickening 
fear as he rushed to the edge of the water, and 
stared with wild, frightened eyes. A moment 
afterward he recognized the object as a log, 
and he murmured thankfully. Almost afraid 
to watch the seething black pool, he turned his 
eyes up the river. His heart bounded with joy 
as he saw the Mohawk still clinging to the bowl¬ 
der which was some distance farther on. 

Raising the canoe, Jim rushed frantically 
through the woods until he was opposite Kich¬ 
kinet. Then he lowered his burden and made 
his way to the edge of the forest. The Mohawk 
saw him and waved his hand. Jim began to 
shout. 

“I will come down to you in the canoe,” he 
cried. 


7 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


His voice was overcome by the roar of the 
rapids, and he realized that it was useless to 
attempt to make Kichkinet understand. For a 
moment he was at a loss to know what to do. 
Then he carried the canoe to the edge of the 
water. He pointed at it, and then pointed up 
the river. Then he made motions to indicate 
the passage through the rapids. He pointed 
toward Kichkinet, and then pretended to jump 
into the canoe. Kichkinet appeared to be 
shouting, but Jim could not hear him. He 
touched his ears and shook his head. Then 
he repeated the signals. The Mohawk nodded 
his head. It was evident that he understood. 

“Good,” cried Jim. 

He carried the canoe some distance beyond 
the head of the rapids, and seated himself to 
rest from his exertions. He planned to run 
the rapids and approach near enough to the 
bowlder to enable the active young Mohawk to 
jump into the canoe as it swept by him. Jim 
realized that it was a desperate, perilous under¬ 
taking in which the slighest miscalculation 
might mean death for both of them. However, 
he also knew that it offered the only chance to 
save Kichkinet, and Jim had sufficient confi¬ 
dence in himself to make the attempt. 

“I’ll pull through,” he said. 

8 




TEE RAPIDS 


He rose, and placed several rocks in the cen¬ 
ter of the canoe to serve as ballast. Then he 
spent some moments staring defiantly at the 
threatening stretch of water in which he was 
about to risk his life. The roar of the river 
reverberated in his ears like the low angry 
snarl of a wild beast that had scented its prey. 
It was the same challenge which his father had 
heard—and accepted. Jim grew sober at the 
thought. Would he, too, go to his death in the 
depths of those raging rapids? Kichkinet had 
called it the home of the dreadful Water Mon¬ 
sters. The superstitious Mohawks believed 
that powerful demons lurked down there be¬ 
neath the rushing waters to catch and destroy 
any one unfortunate enough to fall into the 
trap. For an instant the crude Indian super¬ 
stition fastened upon Jim, but he laughed it 
away. 

“I have beaten you once, and I shall beat you 
again,” he said. 

He seated himself in the stern of the canoe, 
and paddled boldly toward the rapids. Before 
he reached the swift water he rose and carefully 
noted the course that would take him within 
leaping distance of Kichkinet. There were 
several treacherous places to be avoided, and 
Jim fixed them in his mind. Then he sent the 

9 




JIM MASON , £C0f7T 


little canoe forward into the clutches of the 
torrent. A moment afterward he was swept 
away in the rush of water. Standing in the 
stern of the tossing canoe, Jim guided it down 
the perilous lane of white-crested billows with 
rare skill. Kichkinet saw him approaching, 
and stood upright upon the top of the bowlder. 
Jim kept his eyes upon him. Several foaming 
eddies warned of hidden rocks, and one in par¬ 
ticular threatened him with disaster. It was 
less than two bowlengths from the bowlder up¬ 
on which the Mohawk stood, and Jim saw that 
it would be necessary to guide the canoe be¬ 
tween the obstructions. It was a task that re¬ 
quired a calm head and a calculating eye. Jim 
turned the canoe toward the narrow channel of 
open water, and shouted a warning to Kich¬ 
kinet. 

4 ‘Get ready!” he cried. 

The Mohawk had already crouched for his 
perilous leap. The fateful moment was at 
hand. Jim braced himself, and swerved the 
canoe straight toward the glistening black bowl¬ 
der that sheltered the Mohawk. When he was 
almost upon it, a dexterous twist of his sinewy 
arms drove the long pole deep into the water 
and the canoe sped past within handwidth of the 
bowlder. Kichkinet jumped and landed in the 

10 




THE RAPIDS 


bow. The shock caused the canoe to careen 
dangerously, and the Mohawk tottered and 
seemed about to plunge headlong into the 
water. He dropped to his knees and saved 
himself as a white-topped wave swept over the 
side. Jim was doing his utmost to keep the 
canoe on an even keel. It sank low beneath 
its load, and the waves were spashing into it. 
Jim feared that it would till and sink before 
they reached the end of the rapids. Kichkinet, 
too, saw the peril, and turned to lift out the 
rocks which Jim had used for ballast. 

“No, no!” warned Jim. 

He feared that the effort would tip the canoe 
and cause it to fill. There was nothing to do 
except hold the little craft on an even keel until 
they gained quieter water. Warned by Jim, 
Kichkinet sat quietly in his place while the 
canoe sped on its course. Jim had avoided sev¬ 
eral bowlders that for a moment threatened 
trouble, and then he suddenly saw the black, 
swirling water of the whirlpool ahead of him. 
It was directly in his path. Kichkinet called a 
warning, and struck deep into the water with 
his paddle. Jim threw his weight against the 
steering pole. The bow of the canoe veered 
sharply, but the wild rush of water swept them 
forward before they could avoid the peril. 

11 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


They saw the black, foam-flecked waters of the 
death trap beneath the canoe. They had been 
caught in the edge of the whirlpool. 

“Paddle, paddle!” shouted Jim. 

He had dropped to his knees, and seized the 
paddle. Then, as the canoe begun to turn in 
the perilous circle, they fought furiously to es¬ 
cape from the trap. A great, wide-mouthed 
funnel led down into the gloomy depths of the 
pool, and Jim realized that once drawn into it 
there would be no chance for escape. 

“Harder; paddle harder!” he cried. 

Their exertions kept the canoe at the edge of 
the whirlpool, and they completed the circle 
without mishap. Then they redoubled their ef¬ 
forts to escape into the swift water. Slowly, 
almost imperceptibly, they forced the bow 
around until they finally freed it from the grip 
of the whirlpool. Then the canoe suddenly 
swept ahead, and the danger had passed. 

“That was a close call,” Jim declared, sol¬ 
emnly. 

“It was the Water Monsters,” Kichkinet told 
him. 

They passed through the remaining stretch 
of swift water, and brought the canoe to shore 
at the spot where Jim had left the cargo. It 
was some time before they spoke. They spent 

12 ' 




THE RAPIDS 


many moments looking back at the rapids. 
Jim suddenly understood the peril which his 
father had faced each spring as he returned 
from his trading expeditions among the Mo¬ 
hawks. At last a slight error of judgment or 
some unforseen accident had sent him to his 
death. Jim turned sadly away. At that mo¬ 
ment Kichkinet came to him with outstretched 
hand. 

“Achawi, you saved my life, ?? he said. “You 
are very brave.” 

“I wish there had been some one to save my 
father,” Jim replied, regretfully. 

The long twilight shadows were already fall¬ 
ing, and the day was at an end. They repacked 
the canoe, and resumed their journey down the 
river. 

“Kichkinet, what are those great Water Mon¬ 
sters your people tell about?” Jim asked, sud¬ 
denly. 

“They are very mysterious,” declared the 
Mohawk. “Some time I will tell you about 
them.” 




CHAPTER II 


JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 

D USK had already fallen when Jim and 
his companion finally drew near Fort 
Johnson. As they passed the first log house 
on the border of the settlement they were hailed 
by a man who had come to the edge of the river 
to watch them. 

“Hello, there!” he shouted. 4 ‘What news 
from up river V 9 

“All is quiet and peaceable / 1 replied Jim. 
The man nodded, and turned to join a woman 
and several children who had appeared in the 
doorway. It was evident that the hardy pio¬ 
neers who had settled beyond the protection of 
the fort were in constant fear of a raid from 
the French and their Indians. 

“Achawi, your friends are afraid of my 
people—they do not trust them,” Kichkinet 
said, sadly. 

“No, Mohawk, they are not afraid of your 
people,” Jim assured him. “It is the French 
and their Indians whom they fear.” 

14 



JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


They passed other houses, and at most of 
them the question was repeated. The people 
of the settlement appeared to be suspicious, 
and fearful of a sudden attack. Jim wondered 
what had aroused their anxiety. 

“Perhaps the French are moving down into 
our country,” he told Kichkinet. 

“My peqple would know about it,” the Mo¬ 
hawk told him. 

“That is true,” agreed Jim. 

Soon afterward they approached the high 
log stockade that protected Fort Johnson. 
They smelled smoke and saw the glow from the 
evening fires. A company of men had come 
through the gate of the stockade, and were wait¬ 
ing near the water. Jim recognized several 
friends in the group. Among them was Dan 
Holcombe, a veteran woodsman and scout, 
whom Jim held in high esteem. He was the 
first to offer greetings as Jim stepped from 
the canoe. 

“Jim, I’m powerful glad to see you,” said 
Holcombe. 

“Hello, Dan! I am just as glad to see you,” 
replied Jim. 

“How are things at Caughnawaga?” 

“I have something to tell you—later,” Jim 
said, softly. 


15 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Kichkinet moved away to join several of his 
tribesmen who were waiting near the gate of 
the stockade, but Jim recalled him. 

“Don’t talk about Tor-yoh-ne until I see 
Colonel Johnson/ ’ Jim cautioned him. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

i ‘Well, lad, you’re just in time; we were 
about to eat when we heard you were comm’ 
down the river,” Holcombe told him. 

“I’m as hungry as a bear,” laughed Jim. 

“Then follow me,” said Holcombe. 

“I must report to Colonel Johnson,” Jim 
told him. 

“That’s the idee,” agreed the scout. “Bus¬ 
iness first. You’ll find the Colonel at the 
fort.” 

“I shall see you later,” said Jim. “Save 
something for me, and tell the boys I will show 
them how to eat.” 

“Yes, yes,” laughed Holcombe. 

They passed through the gate of the stock¬ 
ade, and Jim went directly to the fort. It was 
a long, two-storied building with portholes. A 
sentry challenged him at the doorway. 

“Jim Mason from Caughnawaga, and I wish 
to see Colonel Johnson,” said Jim. 

“The Colonel is engaged in an important 
council,” the sentinel told him. 

16 





JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


“Then please inform him that I shall await 
his pleasure,” said Jim. 

“Very good,” replied the militiaman. 

Jim left the fort and returned to the river. 
He found Kichkinet and two other Mohawks 
sitting beside the canoe. 

“Kichkinet, we will carry these furs to the 
trading store, and then we will look about for 
something to eat.” 

They lifted the bundle of furs from the canoe 
and made their way to the trading store. It 
was kept by Alexander MacCullough, a Scotch¬ 
man. He gave Jim a hearty welcome. 

“Well, well, a real good lot of furs,” he said. 
“James Mason, you are a worthy successor to 
your father.” 

“Thank you,” said Jim. “With your per¬ 
mission I shall leave these furs here until the 
morrow. Then I will come in and talk with 
you. ’ ’ 

“Good enough,” declared MacCullough. 

“Now, Mohawk, we will scout around and 
look up some food,” said Jim. 

They made their way toward a fire where 
most of the men at the fort were assembled. 
Jim received an enthusiastic greeting. He and 
Kichkinet helped themselves to food, and sat 
beside Dan Holcombe. The latter was a tall, 

17 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


rawboned man of about sixty years whose 
tanned face showed evidence of long exposure 
to wind and sun. Like most of the scouts and 
traders, he was dressed in buckskins. The pre¬ 
vious year he had rendered valuable assistance 
to Jim in exposing La Valle, the treacherous 
French half-breed, whom the Mohawks knew 
as Tor-yoh-ne, The Wolf. 

Most of the men about the fire had finished 
eating, and the usual round of songs and stories 
quickly followed the meal. Jim was asked all 
sorts of questions about the Mohawks and their 
attitude toward the colonists. 

“ Mason, do you really believe the Mohawks 
will join us against the French V 9 inquired a 
young militiaman. 

“I am certain of it,” Jim assured him. 
“They have given us the covenant chain of 
wampum, and they have promised to keep it 
bright. I feel sure they will keep their 
pledge.” 

“Well, perhaps with La Valle out of the way, 
we can trust them, ’ * the militiaman said, doubt¬ 
fully. 

Kichkinet turned to him with angry, flashing 
eyes. 

“Your words are bad,” he said. “I have 
heard many of your people talk like that. You 

18 




JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


ask us to be your friends, but you do not trust 
us. It is bad. Do you speak those words to 
your white brothers? No! You keep those 
words for the Mohawks. You tell my people 
that you are their friends. They believe you. 
Then they come to your village and you talk 
against them. It is foolish. It will make 
trouble .’ 9 

“Now you see how they are,” the militiaman 
cried, triumphantly. “It only takes a word to 
set them off.” 

“You speak impulsively,” Jim said, calmly. 
“Your words are both illy chosen and unjusti¬ 
fied. I shall not argue with you. If you really 
are suspicious of these people, it is because 
prejudice has influenced your judgment and 
closed your eyes to the truth. A few of us are 
attempting to sweep away the barriers that 
have prevented a better understanding between 
the white man and the Indian. It is such men 
as you who weaken and obstruct our efforts. 
My friend Kichkinet is justified in defending 
his people against your thoughtless insinua¬ 
tions. He has done much to help us, and at the 
present moment I do not believe there is one 
among us who has rendered more valuable serv¬ 
ice to the colony.” 

“Mason, you are a trader, and I realize that 

19 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


it is profitable for you to bold the good will of 
the Mohawks,” replied the militiaman. 

“Do not attempt to judge my motives,” Jim 
said, warmly. “I speak as a friend of the Mo¬ 
hawks and a loyal member of the colony, and 
what I do and say is without thought of per¬ 
sonal gain. Had you been with me in the Mo¬ 
hawk camp, and seen the wily efforts of the 
French to win the Mohawks from us, perhaps 
you would understand the nature of the peril 
which has been averted. Then I believe you 
would have a better opinion of the Mohawks, 
and your words would be more friendly.” 

It was evident that Jim’s talk found favor 
with the company about the fire, and the young 
militiaman subsided into silence. Kichkinet 
rose and went to join his tribesmen, and soon 
afterward Jim and Dan Holcombe took their 
departure. 

“That young rooster talks too much,” de¬ 
clared Holcombe. 

“Dan, it is the same old story,” said Jim. 
“The average white man will not and cannot 
understand the Indian. The Indian is toler¬ 
ated only so long as it is profitable to tolerate 
him. When friendship interferes with ambi¬ 
tion and greed he is made the victim of sus¬ 
picion and prejudice, and is persecuted as a 

20 




JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


nuisance and a menace. Dan, it is wrong, abso¬ 
lutely wrong.’ ’ 

“I know it, lad,” agreed Holcombe. 

They had reached the barracks or headquar¬ 
ters for the men at the fort. It was a square 
stone building containing a large assembly 
room, and a storeroom above. Two tiers of 
bunks were arranged along the walls of the liv¬ 
ing room, which had a large stone fireplace at 
one end. A long log bench extended down the 
center of the room. Jim deposited his belong¬ 
ings in an unoccupied bunk. Then he seated 
himself beside Holcombe on the log bench. 

“Well, Jim, you’ve been away since before 
the first frost; does it seem good to be back 
among white folks?” 

“Yes, Dan, I am glad to be here,” said Jim. 
“In a day or so I expect to go down to Sche¬ 
nectady to see my friends.” 

It was his birthplace, and Jim looked for¬ 
ward to the visit with eager anticipation. More 
than a year had passed since he had left his 
foster parents, a Scotch clergyman and his 
wife, who had cared for him since infancy, and 
he was eager to tell them of his success as a 
trader. Besides, he wished to share the pro¬ 
ceeds of his trading ventures with them, but 
he feared that they would refuse the gift. 

21 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“Have yon talked with Colonel Johnson V’ 
Holcombe inquired, curiously. 

“No,” Jim told him. “I called at the fort 
but Colonel Johnson was engaged in a council. 
I left word of my arrival.” 

“Then I’ll not ask anything about Caughna- 
waga,” said Holcombe. “I’ve an idea you 
have something to tell me, hut it’s right and 
proper to report to the Colonel before you talk 
'with me.” 

For some moments Jim kept silent. 

“Han, tell me about yourself,” he said, 
finally. “What have you been doing! I feared 
that the French or their Hurons might lift your 
scalp.” 

“They come powerful dost to doin’ it,” Hol¬ 
combe told him. 

“Tell me about it,” urged Jim. 

“There’s not much to tell,” declared the 
scout. “Eight after you left here last fall, the 
Colonel sent me north to keep an eye on the 
French at Champlain. I bumped into a party 
of Hurons, and they holed me up in a swamp. 
For a couple of days it looked sort of bad. 
Then one night I fooled them and crawled out 
of the trap.” 

Jim waited hopefully, but Holcombe showed 

no inclination to continue the story. 

99 




JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


‘‘How did you get away?” Jim asked, 
eagerly. 

“Oh, I just fooled them,” laughed Holcombe. 

Jim saw that it would be useless to attempt 
to learn the details of the adventure, for men 
like Holcombe were as modest as they were 
brave. They regarded their thrilling adven¬ 
tures as mere incidents in their grim, everlast¬ 
ing struggle with the wilderness. 

“Jim, I’ll tell you one thing,” Holcombe said. 
“The French are gettin’ ready to strike.” 

“Do you think so, Dan?” 

“Yes, sir, I’m plumb sartin of it,” declared 
the scout. “The French are stirrin’ at all their 
forts. Troops and Injuns are movin’ down 
from Canady. Last week a courier come here 
from Yirginny to see the Colonel. Then Jack 
Crawford was sent hot-foot to Albany. He 
brung back Captain MacKenzie of the English 
regulars. Now there’s a big powwow goin’ on 
at the fort. Lad, I tell you things are shapin’ 
up for a fight.” 

“Dan, it does seem so,” Jim said, solemnly. 

“For sartin,” declared Holcombe. 

At that moment a number of militiamen en¬ 
tered the barracks, and the conversation was 
interrupted. They came to join Jim and Hol¬ 
combe. The talk soon turned to the possibility 

23 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


of a clash with the French. It was evident that 
every one at Fort Johnson expected it, and the 
militiamen seemed jubilant at the prospect of 
advancing against the French forts. 

“If the Mohawks hold with us, we shall soon 
drive the French back into the north,’’ one 
young fellow declared, confidently. 

‘ ‘ Well, son, the Mohawks will hold with us, hut 
even so we ’ve got quite a job on our hands, ’ ’ Hol¬ 
combe warned him. “I’ve had a peep at some of 
those French forts, and they look like it might 
take some time to knock them down. Besides, 
there’s plenty of men cornin’ down from Canady 
to help defend them. I’ve heard that two regi¬ 
ments of French regulars are around Montreal.” 

“If they know what is good for them, they’ll 
stay there,” said a strapping young militiaman. 

The night was well advanced when the men 
finally ceased talking and climbed into the 
bunks. Jim, however, still loitered. He hoped 
that at any moment Colonel Johnson might 
send for him. At last he heard some one ap¬ 
proaching the barracks. He looked expect¬ 
antly toward the door. Kichkinet and three 
older Mohawks entered. The bunks were oc¬ 
cupied, and the older Indians wrapped them¬ 
selves in their blankets and lay upon the floor. 
Kichkinet seated himself beside Jim. 

24 





JIM REJOINS OLD FRIENDS 


“ Mohawk, did you see any one leave the 
fort?” inquired Jim. 

“No, my brother,” replied Kichkinet. 

“Then it is useless to wait longer,” Jim told 
himself. 

He pointed toward the bunk, but the Mohawk 
shook his head. 

“That is for you—you are a white man,” the 
Mohawk told him. “I will sleep over there 
beside my brothers.” 

Jim detected subtle Indian sarcasm in the 
words. He felt embarrassed as he realized 
that it was merited. Many times he had seen 
aged Mohawk chiefs surrender their couches to 
gruff white traders who had chanced to stop at 
the village. The stranger in an Indian camp 
was invariably accorded the privileges of an 
honored guest. Jim rebelled at the selfish inhos¬ 
pitality with which the white man insulted the 
Indian. He felt sure, however, that if Colonel 
Johnson had been less importantly engaged the 
Mohawks would have found a hearty welcome 
and comfortable berths in his own quarters. 
Upon more than one occasion Jim had seen a 
company of gayly attired Mohawk warriors 
making themselves thoroughly at home in the 
spacious rooms and halls of Fort Johnson. 


25 




CHAPTER III 


A CONFERENCE WITH COLONEL JOHNSON 

E ARLY the following day Jim went to the 
trading store to barter his furs with 
Alexander MacCullough. A small company of 
traders and scouts had assembled to watch the 
trade. Jim untied the bundle of furs, and 
asked MacCullough to examine them. There 
were many choice pelts in the collection. 

“Lad, you’ve a good eye for fur,” laughed 
MacCullough. 

He sorted the pelts into various piles, accord¬ 
ing to size and quality. When he finished he 
turned to Jim for his approval. 

“How does that suit you?” he asked, as he 
gave over the tally sheet. 

“That seems about right for grades,” said 
Jim. “How are prices?” 

“Some are a bit up, and some a bit down,” 
MacCullough told him. 

He produced a price list. Jim read it with 
careful attention. He was satisfied with the 
average. 


26 


A CONFERENCE WITH COL. JOHNSON, 

F i —— m 

“All right,’’ he said. 

“Good,” cried MacCullough. “ You ’re a 
fair-minded man, and far easier to trade with 
than some I know.” 

He glanced sharply at several of the traders, 
as he turned to his desk. In a few moments 
he gave Jim a voucher for the total value of the 
furs. 

“How will you have it; money or trade?” he 
asked. 

“I’ll tell you later,” said Jim. 

He left the trading store, and turned toward 
the fort. A militiaman came to meet him. 

“Colonel Johnson wishes to see you,” he 
said. 

“I wall go at once,” Jim told him. 

He accompanied the man to the fort. The 
sentry permitted them to enter, and they went 
along a long hall that extended through the cen¬ 
ter of the building. The militiaman stopped 
before a massive, paneled door. 

“Colonel Johnson is in there,” he said. 

He knocked. In a few moments Colonel 
Johnson himself opened the door. He was a 
tall, broad-shouldered man of about forty 
years, wdth a genial face and friendly eyes. 
He w r ore his hair in a queue, and was dressed 
in buckskins. 


27 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“Mr. Mason, welcome,” he cried, as he of¬ 
fered his hand and invited Jim to enter the 
room. 

“Thank you, sir,” replied Jim. 

The militiaman withdrew, and Johnson 
closed the door. Then he led the way to chairs 
beside a long table upon which were maps and 
documents. 

“Mr. Mason, I regret that important affairs 
prevented me from greeting you when you 
arrived,” he told Jim. “It seems useless to 
inquire after your health, for you appear as fit 
and hardy as a Mohawk warrior . 9 ’ 

“I am very well, sir, and I trust that you, 
too, enjoy the blessings of good health,” said 
Jim. 

“Yes, I am robust enough in body, but the 
French and their Indians are causing me con¬ 
siderable distress of mind. But tell me, Mr. 
Mason, how are affairs at Caughnawaga? I 
presume that La Valle is dead, and the Mo¬ 
hawks are prepared to join us against the 
French .’ 1 

For a moment Jim kept silent, and Johnson 
looked anxiously into his face. 

“It is about La Valle that I have come to see 
you,” said Jim. 


28 




A CONFERENCE WITH COL . JOHNSON, 


“Yes, yes, tell me about him,” Johnson said, 
eagerly. 

“He and that scoundrel Stockley have es¬ 
caped from the Mohawk camp,” Jim told him. 

Colonel Johnson stared at Jim in silence. It 
was several moments before he recovered from 
his astonishment. 

“Well, well, that is bad news,” he said, at 
last. “How did they manage to get away!” 

“Colonel Johnson, I would like Kichkinet 
to tell you that,” said Jim. 

“Why so?” 

“Because I wish you to hear the story just 
as I heard it from the Mohawks.” 

“You surely do not suspect that the Mo¬ 
hawks—” Johnson stopped abruptly, and 
looked searchingly at Jim. 

“Do not misunderstand me, sir,” Jim said, 
quickly. “I believe the Mohawks are entirely 
guiltless in this unfortunate affair. There is 
but one among them against whom I would 
hold the slightest suspicion.” 

“And that is?” queried Johnson. 

“Da-yo-ho-go, the superstitious old Medicine 
Man,” said Jim. 

Colonel Johnson raised his brows. He 
frowned and tapped the table with his fingers. 
Jim waited for him to speak. 

29 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


44 Mr. Mason, why do you feel suspicious of 
Da-yo-ho-go ? ’ ’ 

“For several reasons/’ explained Jim. 
4 4 First, because he is one of the few Mohawks 
who really feel antagonistic to our people.” 

44 And why?” inquired Johnson. 

4 4 He claims that some of our people killed his 
brother, many years ago.” 

44 Yes, I have heard that,” said Johnson. 
4 4 The suspicion is entirely unjustified. I have 
investigated and found that his brother was 
the victim of an unfortunate accident in which 
our people were absolutely blameless.” 

44 I fear it would be difficult to convince Da- 
yo-ho-go,” laughed Jim. 

4 4 Doubtless, ” agreed Johnson. 4 4 Now tell 
me your other reasons.” 

4 4 No doubt you are aware that La Yalle 
claimed Mohawk blood.” 

Colonel Johnson nodded. 

4 4 He also claimed membership in the clan of 
the Great Turtle, the most powerful clan in the 
Iroquois confederation. That, according to 
Mohawk law, made him a brother to old Da-yo- 
ho-go, who also is a member of the Great Tur¬ 
tle clan. La Yalle was clever enough to use the 
relationship to good advantage. Flattery, and 
a constant appeal to the simple superstitions 

30 




A CONFERENCE WITH COL. JOHNSON 


of old Da-yo-ho-go, eventually gave him great 
influence with the aged Medicine Man. Then 
it was but a short time until Da-yo-ho-go be¬ 
came the accomplice, and finally the helpless 
dupe of the sharp-witted half-breed. Once in 
the power of La Valle, I believe Da-yo-ho-go 
realized that the exposure and defeat of the 
half-breed meant his own ruin. For that rea¬ 
son I believe he gave aid and protection to La 
Valle, and, fearful that at the last moment the 
treacherous half-breed might betray him to the 
Mohawks, I believe it was old Da-yo-ho-go who 
finally saved him from death and made it pos¬ 
sible for him to escape. However, Colonel 
Johnson, I desire that you shall hear the story 
from Kichkinet, and then form your own 
opinion.’ ’ 

“Does Kichkinet know of your suspicions?” 

“No,” replied Jim. “Kichkinet, like all his 
people, has implicit faith in the old Medicine 
Man and the mysterious powers for which he 
takes credit. I would not offend the Mohawk 
by turning suspicion upon either Da-yo-ho-go 
or the marvelous gifts to which he lays claim.” 

“That is vise,” agreed Johnson. “I shall 
send for Kichkinet.” 

He went to the door and called. In a few 
moments a Mohawk lad appeared. 

31 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


“Bring Kichkinet, ’ 1 Colonel Johnson in¬ 
structed him. 

The lad hurried away, and Colonel Johnson 
returned to Jim. He appeared serious and 
thoughtful, and Jim believed that the escape of 
La Yalle caused him considerable uneasiness. 
He immediately resumed the conversation. 

“Mr. Mason, the escape of La Valle is indeed 
unfortunate, but we may be thankful that you 
were successful in exposing his treachery, 
which I feel sure has destroyed his influence 
with the Mohawks. However, I have little doubt 
that he and his companions will cause us much 
trouble but I hope that he may again fall into 
our hands. 

“And now, Mr. Mason, I shall talk of other 
matters. Your arrival here at this time is 
most fortunate. As I have already mentioned, 
the French are causing us considerable anxiety. 
Each day they are penetrating farther into our 
domains, and establishing substantial forts 
along our rivers. It is a perilous situation, 
and something must be done. Every moment 
of delay will make it more difficult and costly 
to dislodge them. 

“The province of Virginia seems to be alert 
to the danger, and Governor Dinwiddie has 
called a comicil to which he has invited repre- 

32 




, A CONFERENCE WITH COL . JOHNSON, 


sentatives from the other provinces. I have 
been invited to attend. Mr. Mason, I believe 
it would be an excellent plan for both yon and 
Kichkinet to accompany me. You will be able 
to offer valuable information about the Mo¬ 
hawks, and at the same time you will have the 
opportunity to meet many of the men who are 
guiding the affairs of the colonies. I trust you 
are at liberty to accept my invitation. ’ 9 

It was Jim who now showed surprise. His 
face beamed with pleasure, and his eyes lighted 
with enthusiasm. 

“For myself, sir, I accept with great pleas¬ 
ure,’ ’ he said. 

“Excellent,” cried Colonel Johnson. 

“When do you plan to go?” inquired Jim. 

i 1 On the morrow; can you be ready ? ’ 9 

“I can,” said Jim. 

“I shall provide the necessary equipment 
and supplies, and you will incur no expense,” 
Colonel Johnson told him. 

At that moment the Indian lad returned 
with Kichkinet. The Mohawk stopped at the 
doorway. Colonel Johnson invited him to 
enter. 

“My friend, I am glad to see you,” he said. 

“Great Chief, you sent for me, and I have 
come,” replied Kichkinet. 

33 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“It is good,” said Johnson. “I have some¬ 
thing to talk about. ’’ 

Kichkinet remained silent. 

“Kichkinet, your brother Achawi has told me 
about Tor-yoh-ne , 1 9 said Johnson. “It is bad. 
Tell me how Tor-yoh-ne escaped from your peo¬ 
ple.” 

“It is very mysterious,” declared Kichkinet. 
“When my brother Achawi, and that white 
man— ’ ’ 

“Holcombe,” said Johnson. 

The Mohawk nodded. 

“They showed my people that Tor-yoh-ne 
was a Huron. Then my people were very mad. 
They said Tor-yoh-ne must die. They were 
about to kill him, but Da-yo-ho-go stopped 
them. Ha-yo-ho-yo is a great Medicine Per¬ 
son. He has mysterious powers. He does 
many wonderful things. Ha-yo-ho-go talked 
to my people. He told them about a mys¬ 
terious dream. He told them that they must 
not kill Tor-yoh-ne until the next sun came. 
He said if they killed Tor-yoh-ne before 
that time much harm would come of it. He 
said he found out about it in that dream. My 
people listened to the words of Ha-yo-ho-go. 
They tied up Tor-yoh-ne and put him in a lodge 
to keep him until the next sun came. Then 

34 




A CONFERENCE WITH COL . JOHNSON 


my uncle Short Dog, and Da-yo-ho-go and the 
great warrior Dancing Wolf sat down in that 
lodge to watch Tor-yoh-ne. He had the myster¬ 
ious Medicine Creature of the Hurons marked 
on his breast. Da-yo-ho-go was thinking about 
it. He was afraid that some powerful Medicine 
Creature would come to help Tor-yoh-ne.” 

Kichkinet suddenly ceased speaking. For 
some minutes he appeared absorbed in deep 
reverie. Colonel Johnson waited patiently. 
His long experience with the Indians had taught 
him to bear with their whims. 

“When it got dark Da-yo-ho-go filled the 
sacred Medicine Pipe and gave it to my uncle 
Short Dog, and Dancing Wolf,” Kichkinet con¬ 
tinued. “He told them they must smoke to 
keep away the powerful Huron Medicine Crea¬ 
tures. They smoked the pipe. Then Da-yo-ho- 
go filled it again, and smoked. Pretty soon they 
all fell asleep. They were asleep a long time. 
Da-yo-ho-go was the first to wake up. Light 
was coming into the lodge. He looked around. 
Tor-yoh-ne and the white prisoner were gone. 
My uncle Short Dog and Dancing Wolf were 
sleeping. Da-yo-ho-go shook them but they did 
not wake up. Then he ran outside. He saw 
two wolves running out of the camp. Then he 
knew that the strange Huron Medicine Crea- 

35 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


tures had turned Tor-yoh-ne and the white 
prisoner into wolves so that they could get 
away. He called my people and told them 
about it. My people shook my uncle Short Dog 
and Dancing Wolf and they opened their eyes. 
When they found out what had happened they 
were very mad. Then Da-yo-ho-go told them 
that the mysterious Medicine Creatures must 
have come to the lodge and put them to sleep. 
Then my people said, 1 Da-yo-ho-go is a great 
Medicine Person. He alone knows about such 
things. What he tells us must be true.’ My 
uncle began to shake his head, and speak angry 
words. Then Da-yo-ho-go said that the myster¬ 
ious Medicine Creatures had bewitched him. 
My people said, ‘It is true; Short Dog is be¬ 
witched.’ It was a long time before he came to 
himself. Now I have told you how this thing 
came to pass. It is the way Da-yo-ho-go told it 
to my people.” 

Colonel Johnson glanced sharply at Jim. 

“It is very mysterious,” he said, soberly. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

“Now, Kichkinet, I will talk about something 
different,” said Colonel Johnson. “I am about 
to go on a long journey. I have asked your 
brother Achawi to go with me. Now I will ask 
you to go with me. Will you go ? ” 

36 




A CONFERENCE WITH COL. JOHNSON 


Kichkinet showed no surprise. 

“What the Great Chief asks me to do, I will 
do,” he said. 

“Good,” said Johnson. “I will set out on 
this journey soon after the next sun appears.” 

“I will be ready,” Kichkinet told him. 

A few moments later Colonel Johnson dis¬ 
missed the Mohawk. Then he turned eagerly 
to Jim. 

“Mr. Mason, I believe your distrust of Da- 
yo-ho-go is well founded,” he said. “However, 
we must not permit our suspicion of the old 
Medicine Man to lead us into actions which 
might wound the pride or rouse the anger of 
our friends, the Mohawks.” 

“I realize that, sir,” Jim assured him. 

When Jim left the fort he found Kichkinet 
awaiting him. It was evident that he was eager 
to know the nature of the journey for which he 
had pledged himself. True to Indian diplom¬ 
acy, however, he overcame his curiosity and 
waited for Jim to enlighten him. 

“Mohawk, we are going to meet the great 
chiefs of my people,” Jim told him. “We are 
going far away from here. Perhaps it will he 
many days before you return to your people.” 

Kichkinet remained silent. 

Then Jim hurried away to find Dan Hol- 

37 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


combe. He was at the barracks, greasing bis 
beloved rifle. 

“Dan, I have much to talk about,’’ Jim said, 
enthusiastically. 

“Set down here, and cut loose,” Holcombe 
told him. 

He listened attentively as Jim told of the 
escape of La Yalle and Stockley. When Jim 
finished, Holcombe smiled and shook his head. 

“Jim, I’ve always had doubts about old Da- 
yo-ho-go,” he said. “Now I’m plumb sartin 
that he’s agin us. Yes, sir, it’s as plain as the 
trail of a bear in soft mud. With La Yalle 
and Stockley loose, Da-yo-ho-go will need 
watchin’.” 

“Dan, don’t tell your suspicions to any one,” 
Jim cautioned, anxiously. 

Holcombe winked significantly. 

“An old wolf runs a silent trail,” he said. 

“And now, Dan, I have another surprise,” 
Jim told him. 

“Jumpin’ bobcats, you’re as full of surprises 
as an untrained colt,” chuckled Holcombe. 

“Dan, I am going to Virginia with Colonel 
Johnson,” said Jim. 

Holcombe whistled sharply. 

“That is news, for sartin,”he said. “I’m told 
there’s big goin’s on down in that province. 

38 




A CONFERENCE WITH COL. JOHNSON 


Some say that Colonel Washington is gettin’ 
ready for another wrastle with the French at 
Fort Duquesne. Then I’ve heard that General 
Braddock and two regiments of English troops 
has arrived in Virginny. Jim, it looks like yon 
might have a chance to get into the first real 
fight with the French.” 

“Dan, do you really think so?” Jim asked, 
eagerly. 

“Signs pint that way,” replied the scout. 




CHAPTER IV 


AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 

J IM was a-stir early the following day in 
preparation for his departure with Colonel 
Johnson. He went first to the trading store to 
transact his business with MacCullough. 

“Mr. MacCullough, can you give me half of 
the value of the furs in money, and place the 
balance to my credit!” inquired Jim. 

“That I can, James,” MacCullough agreed, 
amiably. “But surely, lad, you’re not planning 
to leave us so soon!” 

“I am going away, to-day, with Colonel John¬ 
son,” Jim told him. 

“Aye!” said MacCullough. 

Jim signed a receipt for the sum, and also 
obtained a supply of powder and lead. 

“Now I am ready,” he laughed. 

“And whither are you bound, James!” Mac¬ 
Cullough inquired, curiously. 

“Perhaps Colonel Johnson should tell yon 
that,” said Jim. 


40 


f 


AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


“Aye, it might be best/* agreed MacCul- 
lough. 

Jim left him, and went toward the fort. The 
sun had scarcely risen above the hilltops, but 
there was an unusual stir which made it plain 
that preparations for the departure of Colonel 
Johnson were already under way. A number of 
horses, both riding and pack animals, had been 
assembled; a company of militiamen waited in 
orderly formation; scouts and traders, and 
women and children had collected in the vicin¬ 
ity. Jim saw Kichkinet coming toward him. 

“The Great Chief sent me to find you,” he 
said. 

They entered the fort, and went to the coun¬ 
cil room, where they found Colonel Johnson 
with a number of other officers. Jim recog¬ 
nized several. Among them were Lieutenant 
Butler, the commandant at Fort Hunter, and 
Lieutenant Gordon, whom Jim had met upon 
his first visit to Fort Johnson. He also noted 
a tall, dignified man in the uniform of an Eng¬ 
lish officer. Jim felt sure that the latter was 
Captain MacKenzie from Albany, of whom Dan 
Holcombe had spoken. 

“Mr. Mason, we shall depart within the 
hour,” Colonel Johnson told him. 

“Very good, sir,” said Jim. 

41 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“It may please you to know that we shall 
pass the night at Schenectady. ’ ’ 

‘ 4 That is good news, indeed, sir,” Jim re¬ 
plied, heartily. 

Shortly afterward he and Kichkinet with¬ 
drew, and Jim hastened to the barracks for his 
rifle and accouterments. He found Dan Hol¬ 
combe awaiting him. 

“Well, lad, I presume you’ll soon be away,” 
said Holcombe. 

“Yes, Dan; the Colonel has informed me that 
we shall leave within the hour,” Jim told him. 
“I wish you might go with me.” 

“I’d like powerful well to go,” Holcombe 
said, wistfully. “Jack Crawford will go with 
you as far as Albany.” 

Holcombe looked on silently while Jim gath¬ 
ered his belongings. Then they seated them¬ 
selves on the pine bench, and talked until the 
notes of a bugle sounded from the fort. Jim 
rose to his feet. 

“I must go,” he said, as he offered his hand 
to the scout. 

“Good luck, Jim,” said Holcombe. 

“Good luck, Dan,” Jim replied, heartily. 

He met Kichkinet at the fort. They entered, 
and presented themselves before Colonel John¬ 
son. He had assembled his escort, and Jim 

42 




'AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


noted that the company numbered ten, includ¬ 
ing Kichkinet and himself. Besides Colonel 
Johnson there were Lieutenant Gordon, Jack 
Crawford, the scout, Captain MacKenzie, of the 
English regulars, and four militiamen. With 
the exception of Captain MacKenzie, all were 
dressed in buckskins. 

“Gentlemen, the time for departure is at 
hand,” said Colonel Johnson. “Mr. Mason, 
perhaps you prefer a canoe to a horse. Jack 
Crawford will go down to Schenectady by 
canoe. If you choose, I am sure he will he 
glad to have you and Kichkinet accompany 
him. ’ 9 

“Thank you, sir, I confess, that like most 
woodmen, I am more at ease in a canoe than on 
a horse,” laughed Jim. 

Soon afterward Colonel Johnson and his 
escort rode through the gate of the stockade 
and set out along the road to Schenectady. It 
was an interesting and picturesque cavalcade. 
At the head rode Colonel Johnson with Captain 
MacKenzie. Lieutenant Gordon followed; and 
after him came the four militiamen and the 
pack horses. There were hut two pack animals, 
and they carried provisions for the journey to 
New York, and the personal equipment of 
Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant Gordon. 

43 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


When the horsemen had gone, Jim and Kichki- 
net entered the canoe with Crawford, and pad- 
died down the river. The long journey had 
been begun, and Jim believed it offered many 
interesting possibilities. 

‘ ‘ Well, Mason, horse riding may be all right 
for those that like it, but this is my idea of real 
traveling,” declared Jack Crawford. 

“I agree with you,” said Jim. “However, 
on the journey to Albany I fear we shall be 
forced to ride.” 

“ Yes, we’ll have to go by road to Albany, but 
if I have a choice I believe I’d prefer to walk,” 
Crawford told him. 

The river continued high and swift, and they 
traveled rapidly. They soon passed Colonel 
Johnson and his companions, and early in the 
afternoon they came in sight of Schenectady. 
Jim looked upon it with enthusiasm. It was his 
birthplace, and the scene of his boyish activi¬ 
ties which had ended so abruptly with the death 
of his father two years before. As the canoe 
approached the isolated houses on the border 
of the settlement he began to describe familiar 
landmarks. 

“That is the house of John Van Twilier,” he 
said. “That stone house beyond is the mill of 
Peter Van Grout. I worked there one winter.” 

44 




:AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


People were appearing from the village to 
watch the approach of the canoe, and Jim saw 
many familiar figures. Then he was recognized, 
and his friends shouted greetings across the 
water. Jim waved his coonskin cap. 

“It appears like they’re glad to see you,” 
laughed Crawford. 

“I have been away some time,” replied 
Jim. 

Soon afterward they disembarked before the 
high log stockade that protected the town. 
Jim was immediately surrounded by a company 
of enthusiastic friends. He soon left them, 
however, and entered the village with Kichki- 
net. They went directly to the home of the 
Camerons, the Scotch clergyman and his wife 
who had reared Jim from infancy. Donald 
Cameron, a tall, broad-shouldered man with 
gray hair, came from the small stone house as 
Jim and the Mohawk approached. 

“Hello, Mr. Cameron,” Jim cried, gayly. 

“Jim!” cried Cameron. 

They clasped hands but it was several mo¬ 
ments before either attempted to speak. Then 
the clergyman seized Jim by the shoulders and 
peered eagerly into his face. 

“Jim, my boy, it is good to have you home,” 
he said. 


4 ... 


45 




JIM MASON , SCOPT 


“Thank you, Mr. Cameron, I am glad to 
come home,” Jim assured him. 

At that moment Mrs. Cameron appeared in 
the doorway. She was a short, stout, motherly- 
looking woman with white hair and kindly blue 
eyes. For an instant she hesitated at sight of 
the Mohawk, and then she hurried toward Jim 
with outstretched arms. 

“My Jim!” she cried. 

She clasped her arms about Jim and sought 
valiantly to choke back soft little sobs of joy. 
Jim, too, suddenly felt a queer tightness about 
his throat as he stooped to kiss her. 

“Come, wife, this is no time for crying,” 
Donald Cameron said, kindly. 

“It is true,” agreed Mrs. Cameron, as she 
released Jim and laughingly brushed away the 
tears. 

• 

“And now, my lad, come into the house, and 
tell us about yourself,” proposed Cameron. 
“But wait, I see you have brought a young Mo¬ 
hawk.” 

“Yes; this young warrior is Kichkinet,” 
said Jim. “He is my friend, and a scout and 
courier for Colonel Johnson.” 

“Young man, I am glad to know you,” the 
clergyman said, cordially. ‘ 4 1 bid you welcome 
to my home.” 


46 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


Kichkinet nodded gravely. 

“Does the Mohawk speak our tongue V y Cam¬ 
eron inquired, softly, as they entered the house. 

“Very well,” Jim told him. “He has been 
educated by Colonel Johnson.” 

“A great man,” declared Donald Cameron. 

“He will arrive here before dark,” said Jim. 

“Well, well, wife, hearken to that,” cried 
Cameron. “Colonel William Johnson is on his 
way to the settlement.” 

“Our people will be glad to see him,” said 
Mrs. Cameron. “Donald, perhaps you should 
tell them of it, so that Colonel Johnson may be 
properly received.” 

“I believe Jack Crawford has attended to 
that,” Jim told her. “Colonel Johnson sent 
Crawford ahead with a letter to the command¬ 
ing officer at the fort.” 

“Aye, then all will be arranged,” said Mrs. 
Cameron. 

Urged by the Camerons, Jim told modestly 
of the adventures that had befallen him since he 
left the settlement the previous year to begin his 
career as a trader. There was much to talk 
about, and Kichkinet was gradually drawn into 
the conversation and prevailed upon to give an 
interesting account of his people. Time passed 
rapidly and Mrs. Cameron was making prep- 

47 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


arations for the evening meal when the boom¬ 
ing of a cannon gave sudden warning of the 
approach of Colonel Johnson. 

4 4 Colonel Johnson has arrived/’ cried Donald 
Cameron. 

They hastened outside and saw the troops of 
the garrison, with fifes playing and colors un¬ 
furled, escorting Colonel Johnson into the town. 
He received an enthusiastic welcome from the 
people of Schenectady as he rode slowly toward 
the officers’ quarters at the fort. 

Jim and Kichkinet immediately went to 
report. An English sentry halted them. How¬ 
ever, as Jim insisted upon seeing Colonel John¬ 
son, and explained that they were members of 
the Colonel’s escort, the sentry finally sent for 
instructions. A few moments later he permit¬ 
ted them to enter the fort. They found Colonel 
Johnson and Lieutenant Gordon with a com¬ 
pany of English officers. Colonel Johnson rose 
and went to meet Jim. 

“Colonel Johnson, I have no wish to in¬ 
trude,” said Jim. “I have come for instruc¬ 
tions. 9 9 

“We shall depart on the morrow, soon after 
sunrise,” Colonel Johnson told him. “I shall 
expect you here at that time. Until then, Mr. 
Mason, you are free. Kindly convey my 

48 





r AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


respects and good wishes to Mr. Cameron and 
his excellent wife.” 

“I shall, sir,” Jim assured him. 

When the Camerons learned that Jim planned 
to leave them on the following day, they 
were filled with gloom. They had hoped that 
he might remain at Schenectady through the 
summer. 

“ Jim, we have had but a glimpse of you, and 
now you plan to rush away into that terrible 
wilderness,” lamented Mrs. Cameron. 

“I shall return, and when I do I shall en¬ 
deavor to make a longer visit,” Jim promised. 

“I hope so,” said Donald Cameron. 

They were seated at the evening meal when 
the town crier passed from house to house call¬ 
ing the people to assemble at the trading store 
of Diederich Suydam to hear Colonel Johnson. 

“Wife, we must go,” said Cameron. “Per¬ 
haps w T e shall hear news of great importance.” 

The trading store was a square, one storied 
log building in the center of the town. It was 
a popular rendezvous where one might always 
find an interesting company assembled for 
trade and discussion. When the Camerons en¬ 
tered with Jim and Kichkinet they found the 
large room crowded with a picturesque assem¬ 
blage of townsfolk. There were the Dutch 

49 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


traders and merchants, who composed a large 
proportion of the population of Schenectady, 
and of whom old Hiederich Suydam was an in¬ 
teresting representative. Short and stout in 
stature, with a placid round face, merry blue 
eyes and long white hair, he was clothed in a 
coarse homespun coat with large brass buttons, 
great roomy knickerkockers buckled at the 
knees, heavy woolen hose, and low shoes with 
large copper buckles. His beloved long 
stemmed Hutch pipe was rarely out of hand. 
In striking contrast were the buckskin clad 
traders and frontiersmen who made the set¬ 
tlement their headquarters when they re¬ 
turned from their adventures in the forest. 
They were rugged, silent men whose appear¬ 
ance and bearing suggested the Indian. Far 
different were the gayly clad English troops 
from the garrison. Talkative and boastful, 
they found little in common with the modest, 
reticent men of the wilderness. In still greater 
contrast were several Indian couriers, with 
their cropped heads, naked backs and painted 
faces. It was indeed a representative company 
of types that composed the primitive frontier 
community. Jim and his friends had been there 
only a few moments before Colonel Johnson 

50 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


arrived. He mounted a large box at the rear 
of the room, and began to talk. 

“My friends, I wish to thank you for the 
kindly welcome which I have received, ’ ’ he said. 
“It is a great pleasure to be here. 

“And now I have something serious to say to 
you. Troublesome times are upon us. The 
French seem determined to force us into war. 
Each day they are growing bolder, and advanc¬ 
ing farther into our territory. Something must 
be done. .1 am on my way to attend a council 
with Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia, and rep¬ 
resentatives from the various provinces. I 
fear the result of that conference may be a 
declaration of war against our covetous neigh¬ 
bors in the north. 

“My friends, I believe there are few, if any, 
among us who desire a conflict with the French. 
However, if it comes we must meet it with cour¬ 
age and determination. I feel certain that the 
young men of the colonies will gladly offer their 
services to protect our settlements from in¬ 
vasion. I also feel sure that our good friends, 
the Mohawks, will join us in driving the French 
from our borders. I have received the wam¬ 
pum belt from the Mohawk chief, Ha-yo-went- 
ha, and he has pledged himself and his people 
to aid us. His son, Kichkinet, whom you see 

51 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


with your friend James Mason, is my courier. 
My friends, those young men have faced great 
peril and hardship to expose the treachery of a 
wily French emissary, and win the confidence 
and support of the Mohawks for our people. 
They have rendered valuable service to the 
colonies, and we owe them a great debt of gra¬ 
titude. ’ ’ 

When Colonel Johnson finished speaking, 
Jim was made the hero of the occasion. He 
sought to escape from the building, but the 
people of Schenectady were determined to learn 
the details of his adventures with the Mohawks 
at Caughnawaga. When he finally was forced 
to speak he seized the opportunity to praise 
Kichkinet and the Mohawks for their loyalty to 
the English colonists, while he minimized the 
value of his own heroic efforts in bringing about 
the alliance. 

“Lad, perhaps you are a bit too modest,” 
laughed Donald Cameron. 

“Donald, it is a good trait,” declared Mrs. 
Cameron, as she looked affectionately upon the 
embarrassed young woodsman. 

The solemn words of Colonel Johnson made 
a strong impression upon the people of Sche¬ 
nectady, and long after he left the building they 
lingered to discuss the gloomy possibilities 

52 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


which seemed to threaten the peace and welfare 
of the colonies. When the last loiterers with¬ 
drew, Jim and Kichkinet still remained to talk 
with old Diederich Suydam, whom Jim held in 
high esteem. 

‘Wall, Jim, things look purty bad, eh?” said 
Diederich, as he lighted his pipe and seated 
himself to talk. 

“I fear so,” replied Jim. 

“Yah, yah, party bad,” repeated Diederich. 

Then for some moments he smoked in silence, 
while he nodded solemnly at the young Mohawk. 
Jim made no effort to interrupt his thoughts 
for he knew from experience that the placid 
old Dutchman disliked to he hurried. 

“Vail, Jim, I believe der war is close,” he 
said, finally. “If dose Mohawks—” 

Jim flashed a swift, warning glance, and 
Diederich choked back the suspicion that swept 
through his mind. He looked at Kichkinet and 
began to chuckle. 

“Yah, yah, dose Mohawks are goot heebies,” 
he said. 

Jim thought he detected a flash of merriment 
in the dark, impassive eyes of the young Mo¬ 
hawk. Kichkinet, however, remained silent. 
Diederich drew great puffs of smoke from his 
pipe. It was a long time before he spoke. 

53 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


“ Jim, der Colonel speaks goot about you,” be 
said, at last. “He is a great man. Berbaps if 
der war comes, der Colonel will make you a 
great officer.” 

“Mr. Suydam, I bave no thought of such 
honors,” laughed Jim. “If war comes, I shall 
be happy to offer my services to Colonel John¬ 
son and the colony. Then I shall gladly serve 
in whatever capacity I may be most use¬ 
ful. ’’ 

“Yah, yah,” said Diederich. “You are yust 
like your varder.” 

The night was well advanced when they finally 
left him, and made their way to the home of 
Donald Cameron. The people of Schenectady 
had already retired, and the town was black and 
still. They were challenged by several sentries 
as they passed along the dark lane or street 
that extended through the center of the settle¬ 
ment. 

‘‘ Who comes ? ” a sentry inquired, sharply. 

“James Mason, and his friend Enchkinet,” 
replied Jim. 

“Pass, James Mason.” 

The Camerons had left a candle burning in 
the window as a beacon light. They entered 
the house, and Jim led the way to the familiar 
little room in the attic. He offered to share the 

54 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


narrow bed with Kichkinet, but the Mohawk 
shook his head. 

“I will sleep here,” he said, as he spread his 
blanket on the floor. 

They rose at dawn, and found Mrs. Cameron 
busily engaged with preparations for break¬ 
fast. When Jim chided her for having risen at 
that early hour she laughed happily. 

“My lad, it is the happiest task I have had 
since you left us,’ ’ she told him. 

The meal was barely finished when Jim hur¬ 
ried away with Kichkinet to report to Colonel 
Johnson at the fort. At sunrise the little com¬ 
pany was ready to depart. Jim looked uneasily 
upon the horse that had been provided for his 
use. Kichkinet, however, shook his head. 

“Great Chief, I will walk,” he told Colonel 
J ohnson. 

“It is five leagues to Albany,” Colonel John¬ 
son reminded him. 

“I will walk,” persisted Kichkinet. 

“Colonel Johnson, with your permission, I 
will walk with the Mohawk,” laughed Jack 
Crawford. 

“Can you keep pace with us?” Colonel 
Johnson asked, sharply. 

“I believe so, sir,” declared Crawford. 

“Very well,” said Colonel Johnson. “Mr. 

55 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Mason, will you ride with Lieutenant Gordon 
and myself? It will afford me an opportunity 
to talk with you. ’ ’ 

6 A shall he glad to do so, sir, ’ ’ said Jim. 

He mounted awkardly into the saddle, and 
appeared so uncomfortable and ill at ease that 
even Kichkinet was forced to smile. After 
Lieutenant Gordon had adjusted the stirrup 
leathers, and explained the proper seat and 
method of holding the reins, Jim became more 
confident. However, when the officer at the 
fort gave orders for the sounding of bugles and 
the firing of a cannon in honor of Colonel John- 
son, Jim suddenly found himself in difficulty. 
The horse became frightened and bolted, and 
before it had run a bowshot Jim was rolling in 
the dust. Roars of laughter came from friends 
who had assembled to witness his departure, 
and Colonel Johnson was unable to conceal his 
mirth. 

“Mr. Mason, I am sorry,’’ he said, as his 
eyes twinkled mischievously. “Perhaps you 
may prefer to walk.” 

“Colonel Johnson, I will ride,” Jim said, 
doggedly. 

“Good!” cried Colonel Johnson. 

Before making another attempt Jim care¬ 
fully tied his rifle to the saddle. Then he again 

56 




"AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


clambered clumsily upon the horse, and rode 
boldly away as his friends cheered enthusias¬ 
tically. He waved his cap at the Camerons, 
and almost brought fresh disaster upon him¬ 
self, for the horse shied and threatened to 
unseat him. Jack Crawford was close by, how¬ 
ever, and seized the bridle in time to save Jim 
from another humiliating tumble. 

4 ‘Do you like horse riding?” the scout asked, 
roguishly. 

“Perhaps I shall if I can remain mounted 
long enough/ ’ said Jim. 

Then Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant Gor¬ 
don rode up alongside of him, and he felt more 
secure. They had already passed through the 
gate of the stockade, and were proceeding along 
the highway to Albany. Crawford and Kichki- 
net dropped to the rear of the procession, and 
followed close behind the pack horses. 

“We shall pass the night at Albany, and 
to-morrow set out for New York,” Colonel 
Johnson explained. 

Jim wondered if he w^ould be forced to ride 
the entire distance. He considered the possi¬ 
bility with gloomy forebodings. Colonel John- 
son appeared to have read his thoughts. 

“From Albany to New York we shall travel 
by water, ’ ’ he said. 


57 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“Good!” Jim cried, impulsively. 

Colonel Johnson laughed. 

For some distance the road continued along 
the river, and they soon reached the Carrying 
Place, where the water plunged over a high 
rocky ledge and filled the air with spray. Then 
they turned toward Albany, and came in sight 
of the town shortly before midday. Five years 
had passed since Jim had visited the settlement 
with his father, and he was surprised at the 
growth of the town. Like Schenectady, Albany 
had been founded by the Dutch, and they com¬ 
posed the greater part of the population. Most 
of them were merchants, or traders with the 
Indians, and many of them had accumulated 
fortunes. 

As Colonel Johnson approached the town a 
cannon boomed a salute. A few moments after¬ 
ward a company of English troops and a dele¬ 
gation of citizens led by the mayor marched out 
to meet him. After listening to a somewhat 
lengthy speech from the mayor, Colonel John¬ 
son was escorted into Albany. The people, like 
those of Schenectady, accorded him a rousing 
welcome, and from doors and windows of the 
quaint Dutch houses stout, rosy-cheeked dames 
and maids waved their kerchiefs as he passed. 

Colonel Johnson and his escort went directly 

58 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


to the fort, which was situated on the summit of 
a low steep hill at the rear of the town. He and 
Lieutenant Gordon were lodged in the quarters 
of the officers, and Jim and the other members 
of the company were provided with quarters 
in the barracks. Jim noted a striking contrast 
between the English regular soldiers and the 
raw colonial militiamen with whom he had asso¬ 
ciated at Fort Hunter. The English troops 
appeared to be under strict and constant dis¬ 
cipline, and seemed to lack the jolly, informal 
spirit of comradeship which prevailed between 
officers and men of the colonial militia. 

Late in the day Jim and Kichkinet accom¬ 
panied Jack Crawford into the town. They 
moved slowly along a wide avenue or roadway 
that extended through the center of the town, 
and upon which were situated a public market, 
a large meeting house, or town hall, a guard 
house and two churches. The houses were of 
Hutch architecture, and similar in type to those 
of Schenectady, with steep tiled roofs, gabled 
windows, quaint half-doors and small porches, 
or stoops, where the family assembled for 
evening gossip. Each house had a front yard 
in which a large tree gave shade during the 
warm weather. A large pasture had been 
reserved on a flat grassy plain at one end of the 

59 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


village, and there the cows were turned out to 
graze. At evening they walked solemnly down 
the main street of the town, and stopped before 
the doors of their owners to be milked. It was 
a novel and interesting> sight to the young 
Mohawk. 

Kichkinet, himself, appeared to be equally 
interesting to the people of Albany. A com¬ 
pany of curious boys and girls soon gathered 
about him, and looked into his face, with wide, 
frightened eyes. Many of the older people, too, 
stopped and stared after him as he passed. 
They appeared to be less accustomed to the 
visit of the Indian than the people of Schenec¬ 
tady. 

At night the people assembled at the town 
hall, and Colonel Johnson addressed them. He 
repeated the solemn warning which he had 
sounded at Schenectady, and the audience lis¬ 
tened with sober attention. Many who went 
to hear him were unable to understand his 
words, and Jim was amused at the Dutch 
jargon into which his talk was translated for 
the benefit of those who could not understand 
English. 

‘ 1 They are a queer people,’’ declared Jack 
Crawford. 

“But a bit sharp,” laughed Jim. 

60 




AN INTERESTING JOURNEY 


“Aye, sharp, indeed,” agreed Crawford. 

Early the following day Colonel Johnson and 
his companions went to the river, where two 
bateaux were placed at his service for the long 
journey to New York. Jack Crawford and a 
militiaman w T ere instructed to return to Fort 
Johnson with the horses. Then the provisions 
and baggage were loaded, and the little com¬ 
pany embarked. Colonel Johnson and Lieuten- 
ent Gordon, with two militiamen, entered the 
first bateau. Jim and Kichkinet entered the 
other boat with the third militiaman. A few 
moments later they left the shore and moved 
slowly down the river, wiiile cannons roared 
from the fort, and the band from the garrison 
played the English anthem. 

“This is what I call getting away in proper 
style,” laughed the young militiaman with 
Jim. 

“And I call it a waste of good powder,” re¬ 
plied the practical young woodsman. 





CHAPTER V 


JIM EMBAKKS FOR VIRGINIA 

F OR five days the bateaux bearing Colonel 
Johnson and his companions drifted 
slowly down the noble river that had been 
named for Hudson, the hardy Dutch navigator, 
who discovered it almost a century and a half 
before. It was a fascinating journey through 
a picturesque and primitive country. Once be¬ 
yond the borders of the settlement at Albany, 
there were few evidences of human habitation. 
The river made its way through an interesting 
succession of wide grassy meadows, low wooded 
hills and high granite capped crags. The great 
primeval forest extended everywhere. Wild 
life was abundant. Eagles soared majestically 
above the peaks, wild fowl rose from the 
marshes, and immense flocks of pigeons flew 
northward to their breeding grounds. The 
river teemed with fish that had come up from 
the sea to their spawning beds. Deer and elk 
showed themselves at the edge of the forest. 

Turkeys called from the thickets. Then, when 

62 


JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


day gave way to night, the howl of the wolf and 
the call of the owl echoed wierdly through the 
wilderness. 

“This is a glorious country/’ Jim said, 
enthusiastically. 

“Ha-wen-ne-yu made it for my people,” 
Kichkinet told him. 

Toward the end of the fifth day they reached 
the northern end of the island upon which the 
Dutch had established the primitive little ham? 
let that had passed into the hands of the Eng¬ 
lish, and become the thriving town of New 
York. As Colonel Johnson and his companions 
passed the end of the island they saw smoke 
rising above the trees, and soon afterward sev¬ 
eral Indians appeared at the edge of the woods. 

“Injuns,” said the young militiaman. 

Kichkinet watched closely as the Indians 
entered a dugout, or crude wooden canoe, and 
paddled toward the bateaux. At that moment 
Colonel Johnson drew up alongside. 

“These Indians are Manhattans,” he said. 
“They are friendly. Their village is located 
at the northern end of the island.” 

There were three Indians in the canoe, and 
before they ventured within rifle shot they 
stopped and raised their paddles as a sign of 
friendliness. Colonel Johnson replied to their 

63 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


signal, and they approached the bateaux. As 
they came close the man in the bow of the canoe 
called out in a strange and unfamiliar tongue. 

“Mohawk, do you know those words?” 
Colonel Johnson asked Kichkinet. 

The Mohawk shook his head. 

“My friends, we do not speak your words / 9 
Colonel Johnson told them. 

The Indians talked rapidly among them¬ 
selves. Then the man in the center of the canoe 
replied in English. 

“Friends /’ he said. 

“Good,” replied Colonel Johnson. 

He asked the militiaman to open one of the 
bundles, and take out some tobacco which he 
offered to the Indians. 

“My friends, we give you this tobacco be¬ 
cause you are friendly,” he said. 

“Good,” replied the Indian. “Where 
from?” 

“Albany,” said Colonel Johnson. 

“Where go?” 

“New York.” 

The Indian translated the information for 
his comrades. They were talking eagerly, and 
looking closely at Kichkinet. 

“Who?” the spokesman inquired, sharply, 
as he pointed at the Mohawk. 

64 





JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


r . ' ■ 

“He is my friend,’’ explained Colonel John¬ 
son. 

“Mohawk!” cried the Indian. “Mohawks 
are enemies.” 

There was an ominous flash in his eyes as he 
turned to his companions. Kichkinet had 
reached for his how. Jim looked uneasily at 
Colonel Johnson. He appeared calm and undis¬ 
turbed. The militiamen had secured their 
rifles, and were watching the Indians. The 
latter were glaring defiantly at Kichkinet. It 
was an awkward situation. 

“My friends, listen to my words,” Colonel 
Johnson said, sharply. “You came to us with 
good words. Now you appear angry. It is 
bad. We shall pass on and leave you.” 

The Indians continued to talk excitedly 
among themselves. Several times they pointed 
toward Kichkinet. At length the spokesman 
addressed Colonel Johnson. 

“Mohawks kill my people,” he said. 

“If people fight, some must die,” Colonel 
Johnson told him. “It is foolish for Indians to 
fight each other. If you fight with us we shall 
surely kill you. See, we have the long guns 
that kill with fire and smoke. You cannot 
escape. My friends, we do not wish to harm 
you. Return to your village. ’ 9 

65 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 

The Indians held another animated coun¬ 
cil, and Colonel Johnson waited patiently. It 
was some time before they reached a deci¬ 
sion. 

“We go,” the leader said, finally. 

“Good,” replied Colonel Johnson. 

They turned the canoe and paddled rapidly 
toward the shore. "When they were beyond rifle 
shot Colonel Johnson gave orders to proceed 
down the river. 

“Kichkinet, do you know those people!” in¬ 
quired Jim. 

“No,” the Mohawk said, scornfully. “They 
are as timid as women. When my people meet 
their enemies they kill them.” 

As they proceeded slowly down the river they 
saw small stumpy clearings, and the isolated 
log cabins of the courageous pioneers who had 
forsaken the protection of the settlement. Then, 
several leagues farther on, they came in sight 
of New York, at the extreme southern end of 
the Island. Jim looked upon it with eager, 
fascinated eyes. His father had visited the 
town upon several occasions, and Jim had 
longed to see the wonderful place of which his 
father had told. Now his ambition was about 
to be realized, and he looked forward to the 
experience with enthusiasm. 

66 





JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


‘‘Ever been to New York?” inquired the mil¬ 
itiaman. 

“No,” Jim told him. “Have you?” 

“Yes, indeed, several times,” the soldier 
said, boastfully. “I brought the Colonel down 
the river twice before. You’ll see something 
you’ll not be likely to forget.” 

As the bateaux moved slowly toward the 
shore they passed a number of ships and barges 
that were anchored before the town. They 
were the first real ships Jim had seen, and he 
and Kichkinet were greatly interested. 

Then a cannon suddenly boomed from the 
fort, and they turned their eyes toward the 
town. The fort, surrounded by a log stockade, 
was situated in the center of an open lawn or 
common. A regiment of English troops had 
been assembled beyond the stockade, and a 
great throng of people waited along the water¬ 
front. Colonel Johnson was met at the wharf 
by a company of English officers and a number 
of town officials. He was escorted to a large 
stone mansion, and Jim, with Kichkinet and the 
militiamen, w r ere taken to the barracks. 

1 ‘ Shall I show you around a bit ? ” the soldier 
asked, eagerly. 

“Yes, yes, I wish to see everything worth see¬ 
ing,” said Jim. 


67 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“If Colonel Johnson has no need of ns, we’ll 
walk about the town, ’’ the militiaman told him. 

“Good,” agreed Jim. 

The militiaman soon returned and said that 
they were free until the following morning, 
when they would board one of the vessels for 
the voyage to Virginia. Jim’s eyes flashed at 
the announcement. The thought of a real sea 
voyage roused his imagination. 

“Have you been there?” he asked the mil¬ 
itiaman. 

“No; and I’m not going,” the militiaman 
said, gloomily. “Only you and the Mohawk 
will go with the Colonel and Lieutenant Gordon. 
The rest of us will return to Albany.” 

They left the barracks and went out to in¬ 
spect the town. Jim and Kichkinet were as¬ 
tounded at the size and importance of the set¬ 
tlement. Neither of them had ever seen so 
many people. The population appeared to be 
composed of many nationalities. Besides the 
familiar Dutch burghers, they saw English offi¬ 
cers and civilians, many of the latter richly 
dressed and attended by servants, Germans, 
Swedes, and a number of African negroes who 
had been imported into the province as slaves. 
The town was the scene of bustling activity. 
It contained numerous streets and lanes and 

68 




JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


many houses, most of them similar in appear¬ 
ance to those at Albany and Schenectady. 
There were shops, a printing house, several 
large halls or meeting houses, a court, a number 
of churches and several public taverns. Gay 
companies of ladies and gentlemen rode through 
the streets; squads of soldiers loitered about 
the fort; little groups of neighbors chatted be¬ 
fore the houses; rough clad sailors from the 
ships in the harbor came from the taverns; 
buckskin clad traders and couriers loitered be¬ 
fore the shop windows; clumsy two-wheeled 
carts rumbled along the thoroughfares. Every 
one appeared to be busy. The lads from the 
wilderness found much to interest them, and 
darkness had already fallen when they finally 
returned to the barracks. 

“Well, Mohawk, what do you think of it!” 
Jim asked, curiously. 

“It is a great village,” declared Kichkinet. 

Jim found it difficult to sleep, for his mind 
was filled with thoughts of the long voyage to 
Virginia. He tossed restlessly in his bunk un¬ 
til the first rays of daylight entered through 
the windows of the barracks. Then he rose and 
went outside. Kichkinet awaited him. They 
wandered toward the wharf, but saw no one 
but the sentries about the fort. The latter per- 

69 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


mitted them to pass, and they spent some time 
watching the vessels in the harbor. Jim was 
particularly interested in a large fonr-masted 
ship, which he believed might be the vessel 
that would carry them to Virginia. 

“Achawi, how do your people move those 
great canoesinquired Kichkinet. 

Jim explained that the vessels were provided 
with large sails which caught the wind and 
drove them on their course. The Mohawk ap¬ 
peared bewildered. 

“It is mysterious,” he said, finally. 

The notes of a bugle recalled them to the 
fort, and they found the troops already at mess. 
Soon afterward two companies of provincial 
militia, wearing gaudy new uniforms, were 
mustered on the common before the fort. A 
great throng of people assembled to watch 
them, and it soon became evident that these 
troops were about to embark on one of the 
vessels. Their baggage had already been car¬ 
ried to the wharf, and a number of small boats 
were taking it toward the large four-masted 
ship that was anchored in the harbor. Jim 
wondered if the troops were going to Virginia. 
He asked a man who appeared to be a trader. 

“Yes, they Ye going to join General Brad- 
dock and his regulars/ ’ the man told him. 

'70 




JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


At that moment the hand of the regiment be¬ 
gan to play, and a number of officers came from 
the fort and marched toward the troops. Jim 
saw Colonel Johnson, richly dressed in civilian 
attire, walking beside the leading officer. 

“Who is that officer beside Colonel John¬ 
son V’ Jim asked the trader. 

“Bless me, don’t yon know himV ’ the man 
asked in astonishment. ‘ 4 That is Colonel Gage, 
who commands our troops.” 

“Thank yon,” Jim replied, with considerable 
embarrassment. 

The officers made a formal tour of inspection 
along the lines of rigid militiamen. When the 
ceremony was concluded Colonel Gage and his 
escort stood at the end of the common, and the 
troops marched past on the wny to the wharf. 
Most of the people followed them, and there 
was an affecting scene as the soldiers bade fare¬ 
well to their relatives and friends. Then they 
entered small boats and were taken to the ship. 

A few moments afterward Colonel Johnson 
sent a courier for Jim and Kichkinet. They 
hurried to the barracks for their belongings, 
and joined Colonel Johnson at the wharf. Jim 
was introduced to Colonel Gage and several 
other officers, and then they entered a long 
whaling boat and were rowed to the ship. When 

71 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


they reached it they were forced to climb a 
swinging rope ladder to gain the deck. 

“Mr. Mason, it will give me pleasure if you 
will serve as my aide,” Colonel Johnson told 
Jim. 

“I shall consider it an honor, sir,” replied 
Jim. 

“It will entitle you to the rating of a junior 
officer and assure you more comfortable quar¬ 
ters. I believe it will be well to keep Kichkinet 
with you. The soldiers have little regard for 
the Indians, and I fear trouble if the Mohawk 
is left among them.” 

“I shall keep him with me,” said Jim. 

“You may occupy quarters with Lieutenant 
Gordon and myself,” Colonel Johnson told him. 

They entered a small cabin in the forward 
part of the ship. It contained four bunks, and 
Jim believed that his accommodations would be 
far more comfortable than the quarters below 
deck which had been assigned to the troops. 

“Now we mil go on deck and witness prep¬ 
arations for our departure,” said Colonel 
Johnson. 

They found most of the troops crowded along 
the rail to wave farewell to the friends who had 
assembled along the water front. Sailors had 
already climbed aloft to unfurl the sails, and 

72 





JIM EMBARKS FOR VIRGINIA 


a squad of their companions were busily en¬ 
gaged hauling in the heavy anchor. Then a 
bugle sounded, and all stood at attention while 
a sergeant raised the English flag on a halyard. 
A moment afterward a cannon sounded from 
the fort, and the shrill notes of fifes and the 
beating of drums echoed across the water. 
Cheers rose from the crowds on shore, and the 
troops replied with ringing hurrahs. Then the 
sails unfolded and swelled before the breeze. 
There was a straining of ropes, and a creaking 
of spars. Slowly, quietly, the ship gathered 
headway, and glided away on the long cruise 
to Virginia. 

“Now you see how my people move their 
great canoes,” Jim told Kichkinet. 

The Mohawk kept silent. He was absorbed 
in watching the sailors as they clambered down 
through the rigging. It was a long time before 
he spoke. 

“Achawi, wdien I go to my village, and tell 
my people what I have seen they will say, ‘It 
cannot be true; the white men have bewitched 
him,’ ” he said finally. 

“I will tell them that it is true,” Jim assured 
him. 

6 ‘ They will not believe your words, * ’ declared 
Kichkinet. 


73 




CHAPTER VI 


AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 

F OR two days the ship sailed smoothly in 
calm seas, and every one was in high 
spirits. There was much frolicking among the 
soldiers, most of whom were young men, and 
Jim soon established his reputation as a wrest¬ 
ler. He also found an opportunity to show his 
skill with the rifle, for the vessel passed 
through great schools of porpoises, which of¬ 
fered tempting marks as they bounded from 
the water in play. 

“Mr. Mason, you have a stout heart, a clear 
brain, and a true eye; it is an unusual combina¬ 
tion,’ ’ declared Colonel Johnson. 

“If I possess any talents, sir, I have in¬ 
herited them from my father,” Jim said, loy¬ 
ally. 

The following day brought a sudden change 
of weather, and the skipper declared that the 
signs gave warning of a storm. He glanced 
uneasily at the sky and shook his head. 

“It looks like the makin’s of a bad nor’- 

74 


AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


easter,” he told Colonel Johnson* as he went 
away to join the man at the wheel. 

“Mr. Mason, you have had considerable ex¬ 
perience in noting the weather; do you antic¬ 
ipate a storm V’ Colonel Johnson asked Jim. 

“It looks like it, sir,” said Jim. 

The indications seemed to confirm his pre¬ 
diction. The sky was dark and threatening, 
and a dense foggy haze lurked above the hori¬ 
zon. A sharp wind sprang up out of the north. 
The sea had suddenly taken on drab, somber 
tones, and long, rolling billows caused the ship 
to lurch unsteadily. As the day progressed 
the wind increased, and the sea grew higher. 
The smooth rolling billows gave way to long 
lines of curling whitecaps, and the ship tossed 
wildly. Toward evening the captain gave or¬ 
ders to reef the sails, and before dark the com¬ 
mand was repeated. 

“Mr. Mason, have you found your sea legs?” 
inquired Colonel Johnson. 

“I fear not, sir,” laughed Jim. “I seem to 
be rather unsteady on my feet.” 

With the coming of darkness the storm in¬ 
creased in violence, and the captain ordered 
every one from the deck. The wind had 
reached the proportions of a gale, and it was 
accompanied by a perfect deluge of rain. The 

75 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


sea rose steadily, and great waves buffeted the 
ship. The decks were flooded, and water 
poured down the companionways and into the 
quarters of the troops. Few of the men had 
been to sea, and it was not long before most 
of them were sick. Jim, too, soon felt the ef¬ 
fect of the wild tossing. Kichkinet was al¬ 
ready helpless in his bunk. 

“Achawi, I am about to die,” he said. 

“No, my brother, the storm will soon pass 
and then you will be well,” Jim said, encourag¬ 
ingly. 

At that moment the ship lurched wildly, and 
Jim was thrown against the side of the cabin. 
For the moment he was bewildered and 
stunned. As he rose unsteadily the vessel ap¬ 
peared to rise on end, and he slid to the door¬ 
way. Colonel Johnson assisted him to his feet, 
and helped him to reach his bunk. 

“We shall be safer lying down,” said Colo¬ 
nel Johnson. 

“I feel scarcely able to do much else,” Jim 
replied, weakly. 

The violent motion of the ship had made it 
necessary to extinguish the little swinging lamp 
that lighted the cabin, and for long dreary 
hours they lay in darkness, listening to the rag¬ 
ing of the storm. The wind moaned and roared 

76 




AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


f 

through the rigging, the furious downpour of 
rain continued, and above the wild tumult of 
the storm sounded the angry, ominous chal¬ 
lenge of the sea. 

“It is the fierce Water Monsters/* declared 
the superstitious Mohawk. “They will tear 
apart this great canoe and destroy us.” 

Jim was too sick and miserable to reply. He 
clung to the side of his bunk, listening fearfully 
for the final crash that would proclaim the 
breaking up of the ship. It seemed impossible 
that the vessel could long survive the terrific 
impact of the huge waves that were crashing 
against it. Then he suddenly thought of the 
captain and crew. He felt sure that they were 
somewhere on that perilous storm-swept deck, 
fighting a desperate battle against wind and 
sea. The thought made him eager to be of serv¬ 
ice in the emergency. He rose languidly from 
his bunk. 

“Colonel Johnson, perhaps the captain and 
his crew need help, ’ ’ he said. ‘ 1 I shall be glad 
to offer my services.” 

“I fear at such a time we landsmen can be 
of slight assistance,” Colonel Johnson told him. 
“Our efforts to aid might do more harm than 
good, and I believe Captain Barker will be 

77 




r 


JIM MASON , SCOTJT 


greatly displeased if we disobey his orders and 
venture upon the deck.” 

“Very good, sir,” agreed Jim. 

The storm continued throughout the night, 
but at dawn the rain ceased, and soon afterward 
the wind began to die down. The sea, however, 
still buffeted the vessel with unabated fury. 
The captain had furled all but the small sails 
which were necessary to maintain headway and 
prevent the ship from becoming easy prey for 
the mountainous waves. Lashed to the wheel, 
the courageous skipper and two seamen had re¬ 
mained at their post throughout the night. At 
dawn they were relieved by the second officer 
and his assistants. Jim and Kichkinet were 
making slow, cautious progress along the deck 
as the captain went toward his quarters. 

“Captain Barker, you have done a big 
night’s work,” said Jim. 

“Well, we weathered the blow, but it was a 
nasty one,” replied the captain. 

It was not long before some of the troops be¬ 
gan to appear. Most of them looked pale and 
haggard, and it was evident that they had 
passed a distressing night. Jim and the Mo¬ 
hawk joined a little group of militiamen who 
were seated upon the deck. 

“If I ever get my feet on land again I reckon 

78 




AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


I’ll know enough to stay there,” declared one 
of the company. “I’d sooner face all the In¬ 
juns in the woods than this boilin’ sea.” 

Most of his comrades indorsed his choice. 
The sea still was high, and the ship rolled and 
pitched violently. Another little company of 
soldiers appeared from the companionway, and 
moved unsteadily along the deck. Several, 
however, turned toward the rail. A few mo¬ 
ments afterward a cry of alarm rang through 
the ship. 

“Man overboard! Man overboard!” 

The militiamen sprang to their feet and 
rushed to the rail. They saw one of their com¬ 
panions struggling in the water. For an in¬ 
stant his white face was turned appealingly 
toward the deck, and then the ship swept past 
him. The soldiers ran to the stern, and saw 
him battling valiantly for his life. The man 
at the wheel had turned the ship into the wind, 
and the second officer shouted orders to the 
crew. 

“Man the boats!” he cried. 

Sailors sprang to the davits and worked 
frantically to lower a boat. In the meantime 
the ship had veered around. The moments 
seemed hours to the anxious company who 
watched from the deck. At last, however, the 

79 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


ship came about and sailed back toward tbe 
swimmer. Several militiamen bad secured 
ropes, and were waiting for an opportunity to 
throw them to tbe unfortunate man in tbe 
water. Guided by tbe cries of tbe sailors in tbe 
bow, tbe man at tbe wheel steered tbe ship to¬ 
ward the swimmer. Then, as tbe vessel came 
alongside of him, they lowered tbe boat. When 
it was half way to the water one of tbe ropes 
slipped from the pulley and jammed, and tbe 
boat bung suspended between tbe deck and tbe 
sea. In tbe meantime tbe man in tbe water was 
tiring. His friends burled tbe ropes toward 
him, but they fell short. He was directly be¬ 
side tbe ship when be suddenly raised bis arms 
and sank. 

“He is gone,” cried bis friends. 

A moment afterward be appeared again, and 
renewed bis struggles. Tbe sailors worked 
desperately to free tbe boat, but tbe ship rolled 
heavily and they made little progress. One of 
tbe soldiers tossed a rope end within a foot 
of tbe exhausted swimmer but be was unable to 
seize it. He began to sink, and bis comrades 
groaned in dismay. Then Jim Mason clam¬ 
bered over tbe rail, and poised himself for a 
dive into tbe sea. 

“Achawi!” Kichkinet shouted, warningly. 

80 





AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


r—— 1 ■■ ■■ — ——— — ■ — i iii —— 

Jim dove and struck the water within arm- 
length of the militiaman. They disappeared 
together. Those on the ship watched with 
bated breath. Long, torturing moments passed. 
They failed to appear. 

“They’ve clinched and gone to the bottom,” 
cried a white-faced militiaman. 

“There they are!” shouted his companions. 

At that moment Jim rose to the surface, and 
brought the militiaman with him. The former 
appeared limp and helpless, and Jim struggled 
fiercely to bring him within reach of the ship. 
After a heroic fight against the waves he finally 
got near enough to seize the end of a rope 
that had been thrown from the deck. He fas¬ 
tened it beneath the arms of the unconscious 
militiaman, and signaled for his companions to 
draw him to the deck. A mighty cheer rose 
from the ship, but it was followed by cries of 
alarm as Jim was swept away on the crest of 
a great wave. It carried him some distance 
astern of the vessel, and far beyond reach of 
the ropes. 

“Lower the boats; lower the boats!” cried 
the frantic militiamen. 

Kichkinet climbed to the rail and prepared to 
leap into the sea, but Colonel Johnson dragged 
him back. 


81 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


i 11 1 . " — 

“You cannot reach Achawi,” he said. 

“Achawi saved my life; I will not let him 
die alone/ ’ cried the loyal young Mohawk as 
he fought to free himself from the powerful 
grasp of Colonel* Johnson. 

In the meantime Jim struggled valiantly to 
remain on top of the water. His boyhood ex¬ 
periences along the Mohawk river had made 
him a strong and skillful swimmer, but he made 
little progress in the raging sea. Each wave 
carried him farther from the ship, and great 
white topped billows broke over him with a 
smothering lather of foam. Aware that it 
would be folly to attempt to reach the ship, he 
concentrated his efforts upon remaining afloat 
until help came. 

“They will come for me,” he told himself, 
hopefully. 

At last he saw the ship turning about, and a 
boat being lowered toward the water. At that 
moment, however, his strength suddenly left 
him and he felt himself going down. A wave 
broke over him, and he began to choke. For an 
instant he sank below the surface, but he strug¬ 
gled wildly and regained the top of the water. 
Then he saw the small boat coming toward him. 
It seemed to be a long way off. 

“I - must - keep - fighting , 99 he gasped. 

82 




AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


Soon afterward another great wave broke 
over him, and forced him far down into the 
depths. He was a long time regaining the sur¬ 
face, and the effort sapped the last of his 
strength. As his head finally rose above the 
water he looked despairingly for the little boat 
that was speeding to save him. It was close 
at hand, and Jim made feeble efforts to remain 
afloat until it came. Exhaustion had overcome 
him, however, and he was powerless. A black 
mist suddenly closed over his eyes, and his 
arms sank helplessly at his sides. He at¬ 
tempted to shout, but the water rushed into his 
mouth and choked him. Then the sea swept 
over him, and he disappeared. 

At that instant the boat reached the spot 
where he had gone down, and Kichinet dove 
boldly into the sea. He swam far down into 
the murky green depths, and seized Jim by the 
hair. Then, slowly, painfully, he fought his 
way to the surface. The boat had been carried 
some distance away, but the crew saw him and 
rowed frantically to save him. 

‘‘ Hold out, Injun, we’ll get you!” shouted 
the man at the tiller. 

As a swimmer, Kichkinet was far inferior to 
Jim, and he soon became bewildered in the 
heavy sea. Besides, he was tortured by his 

83 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


« 11,1 . . 11 *" 

superstitions fear of the terrible Water Mon¬ 
sters. He struggled heroically to hold Jim at 
the top of the water, but the weight of the help¬ 
less young woodsman was a severe handicap. 
Twice the waves broke over him and forced him 
under water, but he held to his burden and 
fought his way to the surface. Then, as his 
strength began to fail, the boat came alongside 
and strong arms reached down and seized him. 

When Jim regained consciousness he found 
himself lying between blankets on the deck of 
the ship. Colonel Johnson was seated beside 
him, and behind him were the anxious officers 
and militiamen. They raised a rousing cheer 
as Jim opened his eyes and smiled at them. 
Then the young follow whom he had saved 
came and knelt beside him. 

“You saved my life, and almost lost your 
own in the effort,” he said, soberly. “How 
can I express my gratitude ?” 

“Don’t try,” laughed Jim. 

“My lad, you caused me the most anxious 
moments of my life,” Colonel Johnson told him. 
“I thank God the Mohawk was able to save 
you.” 

Jim stared at him in wide-eyed astonishment. 
He looked at the young militiaman for confir¬ 
mation. The latter nodded. 

84 




AN ADVENTURE AT SEA 


“It was the Mohawk who saved you,” he 
said. 

“The Mohawk?” Jim said, incredulously. 
“Why - how - ” 

“He dove from the boat, as you went down, 
and brought you to the surface,” Colonel 
Johnson explained. 

Jim sat up and looked about with flashing 
eyes. 

“Where is Kichkinet?” he cried. 

Kichkinet made his way from the throng of 
soldiers. Jim struggled to his feet to meet 
him. He offered his hand and peered eagerly 
into the eyes of the Mohawk. 

“My brother, I thank you,” said Jim. “I 
believe you know what is in my heart.” 

Kichkinet nodded. 

Then Jim turned to the militiamen. 

“My friends,” he said, “you have just wit¬ 
nessed striking proof of the loyal devotion of 
the Indian for his friend. If there are any 
among you who have held a poor opinion of the 
Indians, I trust that what you have seen will 
destroy your doubts and win your respect and 
friendship for those splendid people.” 

“Three cheers for the young Mohawk,” cried 
a soldier. 

They were given with enthusiasm. 

85 






JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“And three more for James Mason,” pro¬ 
posed the young militiaman whom Jim had 
saved. 

“And now, my friends, three for the brave 
fellows who rowed that little boat through the 
raging seas,” said Jim. 





CHAPTER VII 


JIM BECOMES A SCOUT FOB GENERAL 

BRADDOCK 

S EVERAL days later the ship rounded the 
long, projecting point of land that sep¬ 
arated the waters of Chesapeake bay from the 
ocean. 

“Now we’re on the last leg of our journey,” 
declared the captain. “We’ll soon enter the 
Potomac river, and then it will be straight on 
to our destination.” 

At midday the ship turned northward along 
the splendid river that led directly to Alexan¬ 
dria, where General Braddock had assembled 
his forces for the march against Fort Du- 
quesne. However, as the river was crooked, 
and the winds light and uncertain, it was sev¬ 
eral days before the vessel reached its destina¬ 
tion. 

The militiamen were jubilant at the thought 
of leaving the ship. Most of them had found 
the voyage tedious and distressful, and they 
were anxious to be ashore. Once in sight of 

87 


JIM MASON , SCOUT 


the rendezvous, they crowded along the rail and 
looked eagerly toward the encampment. 

“I’ll be mighty glad to stretch my legs on 
the good green earth again,” declared a young 
militiaman. 

“Maybe you’ll have to stretch ’em consider¬ 
able before we reach Duquesne,” laughed a 
comrade. 

As the ship finally dropped anchor, it was 
welcomed with a noisy salute from the batteries 
on shore. A large body of troops had been 
assembled along the river. Jim noted that 
several companies wore blue uniforms. 

“Who are those men?” he asked a sergeant 
who stood beside him. 

“Those are the troops of the province—Vir¬ 
ginians, ’ ’ the soldier told him. 

At that moment a boat put out from the 
shore, and Jim saw that it bore the English 
flag and carried several officers. There was a 
sudden stir on the ship, and the militiamen were 
drawn up along the rail to receive the visitors. 
Colonel Gage with Colonel Johnson, and a num¬ 
ber of other officers waited on deck to receive 
them. After the official greeting, Colonel Gage 
and his staff accompanied the visitors to the 
encampment. 

“There’ll be a long powwow and plenty of 

88 





JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


hand shakin’ before the rest of us get ashore,’’ 
grumbled th-e sergeant. 

It was not long, however, before a number of 
boats approached the ship, and the militia¬ 
men were ordered to gather their belong¬ 
ings and prepare to disembark. They hurried 
below deck for their blankets and accouter¬ 
ments. A few moments later they crowded in¬ 
to the boats and were rowed to the shore. Jim 
found a courier from Colonel Johnson waiting 
at the wharf. 

“ Colonel Johnson desires to see you,’’he said. 

Jim and Kichkinet accompanied the soldier 
to a tent at one end of the encampment, where 
they found Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant 
Gordon. 

“Mr. Mason, you will make this your head¬ 
quarters,” said Colonel Johnson. 

“Very good, sir,” said Jim. 

Soon afterward he and the Mohawk went out 
to look about the encampment. They found it 
an interesting and bustling community. There 
were many long lines of white tents with nar¬ 
row avenues, or lanes, between the rows. At 
one end of the camp were the tents of the offi¬ 
cers. Several large mess tents occupied the 
center of the encampment, and at the far end 
were the wagons and horses. The latter were 

89 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


tied to a long picket rope that extended along 
the edge of the camp. Jim and the Mohawk 
were particularly interested in the long line 
of gun carriages upon which were mounted the 
cannons for the destruction of the French fort. 
They were absorbed in examining them when 
they were suddenly challenged by a red-coated 
English sentry. 

44 Hi there, what you doin’ about them guns?” 
he inquired, suspiciously. 

44 We were just looking at them,” said Jim. 

44 Well, come on away from ’em,” ordered 
the sentry. 4 4 Who are you and where have you 
come from?” 

44 I am James Mason of Schenectady,” said 
Jim. 

44 Don’t know you, an’ never heard o.f the 
place you mention,” the soldier told him. 

44 Sounds like one o’ them outlandish Indian 
names.” 

44 It is an Indian name,” explained Jim. 

44 IIm,” grumbled the sentry. 44 I seen right 
away that one o’ you was Indian, but I didn’t 
suspect the other one.” 

44 There is no cause for suspicion,” Jim said, 
sharply. 

44 Well, I’m not so sure o’ that,” replied the 
soldier. 


90 




JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


“What do you mean?” Jim demanded, indig¬ 
nantly. 

“I’m here under orders to watch them guns, 
an’ I intend to do my duty,” said the sentry. 
“When I see strangers prowlin’ around ’em 
I’m due to find out who they are, an’ what their 
business is. You’re a stranger, an’ I want to 
know about you. How did you get into the 
camp, anyway?” 

“Perhaps Colonel Johnson will tell you,” 
said Jim. 

“Never heard o’ HIM, neither,” declared the 
soldier. 

“Well, my friend, you may before long,” Jim 
replied, lightly. “Come, Mohawk, we will 
move on.” 

“Stop!” cried the sentry, as he raised his 
rifle. 

Jim turned in surprise. For an instant his 
eyes flashed threateningly. Then he smiled. 

“You appear to he irritable,” Jim said, 
quietly. 

“Now, you listen to me,” said the sentry. 
“You’ve not told me what I wish to know, an’ 
I don’t intend you shall go out as easy as you 
came in. Answer my questions or I’ll call the 
guard. ’ ’ 

“I have answered them,” said Jim. 

91 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“Then you’ve nothin’ more to say?” 

“No.” 

“All right, my fine buck,” the soldier cried, 
threateningly. 

He dropped his rifle into the hollow of his 
arm, and raised his fingers to his lips. Three 
shrill whistles appeared to be the signal for the 
guard. 

“Don’t try to get away,” the sentry warned. 
“Now you’re under arrest.” 

“Have no fear,” Jim replied, impatiently. 

In a few moments a corporal and four sol¬ 
diers arrived. They, too, were English regu¬ 
lars. 

“What’s wrong?” inquired the corporal, as 
he glanced suspiciously at Jim and the 
Mohawk. 

“I found ’em pokin’ about the guns, an’ when 
I questioned ’em they refused information. I 
don’t know who they are or how they got here. 
Better take ’em to headquarters.” 

“One moment,” cautioned Jim, as the sol¬ 
diers came toward him. “Your friend has mis¬ 
stated the facts. I told him my name, and the 
place I came from. If you are equally curious 
I shall be glad to tell you. ’ ’ 

“Well, who are you?” the corporal de¬ 
manded, brusquely. 


92 




JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


3 


66 James Mason, of Schenectady. ’ ’ 

i ‘And the Indian V 7 

6 ‘Tell him,” Jim told Kichkinet. 

Kichkinet appeared offended. Then Jim 
suddenly recalled that an Indian considered it 
an affront to his pride to he compelled to tell 
his own name to a stranger. 

“He is Kichkinet; his father is a great Mo¬ 
hawk chief,” explained Jim. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“As I have already explained to your friend, 
perhaps Colonel Johnson will tell you 
that.” 

“Colonel Johnson?” repeated the corporal. 
“Is he an officer with the troops that have just 
arrived from the north?” 

“He came with Colonel Gage,” said Jim. 

The corporal suddenly appeared embar¬ 
rassed. He looked uneasily at the sentry. 

“Then, Bill, I guess it’s all right,” he said. 
“By the way, what is your regiment?” 

“I am not in the service,” said Jim. 

“Servant for Colonel—what’s his name?” 

“Colonel Johnson; but I am not a servant,” 
Jim told him. “And now I am becoming a hit 
tired of this foolish talk. May I go?” 

The corporal and his companions exchanged 
glances. The poise of the calm young woods- 

93 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


man made them somewhat uneasy. They be¬ 
gan to wonder if they had blundered. 

“Yes, you may go,” agreed the corporal. 

“Thank you,” said Jim. “If you desire any 
further information you may find me at the 
headquarters of Colonel Johnson.” 

“Whew,” cried the sentry, when Jim had 
gone. “Perhaps I was a bit too hasty that 
time. Bless my soul, who can he be? You 
don’t suppose he’s some one of importance, do 
you ? ’ ’ 

“You can’t tell in this strange country,” the 
corporal told him. “Some of the real great 
men wear clothes like the Indians in the day¬ 
time, and dress in satins at night. They’re a 
queer lot, Bill, but, dang me, I sort o ’ like their 
independence.” 

As Jim and Kichkinet passed slowly along 
the line of tents they attracted attention and 
comment from the red-coated English regulars. 
Then they suddenly discovered several men 
who were dressed in buckskins, and Jim turned 
in their direction. 

“Good day, gentlemen,” he said, pleasantly, 
as he approached. 

“Good even’, sir,” replied a tall young fel¬ 
low, who spoke with a soft, pleasing drawl. 
“Did you all just get in?” 

94 




JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


‘‘Yes; we came with Colonel Johnson and the 
New York troops,” Jim told him. 

“I reckon,” said the young Virginian. 

He was a rugged, well-proportioned young 
chap with an honest face, and bold brown eyes. 
Jim was favorably impressed. 

“My name is Dick Clayborne, sir, of Rich¬ 
mond,” he said, as he rose and offered his 
hand. 

“I am James Mason of Schenectady,” said 
Jim. “This young warrior is my friend, Kich- 
kinet; his father is a great chief of the Mo¬ 
hawks.” 

i ‘ Gentlemen, I am glad to know you, ’ ’ replied 
the Virginian. ‘ ‘ Shake hands with my friends 
George Bradford and Robert Carroll.” 

They exchanged greetings, and Jim and the 
Mohawk seated themselves before the little tent 
for a friendly chat. Bradford was a manly- 
looking young fellow who appeared to be about 
the age of Clayborne and Jim, but Carroll was 
considerably older. 

“I reckon you all have come to scout for Gen¬ 
eral Braddock,” said Clayborne. 

“No;” replied Jim. “At present I am act¬ 
ing as aide to Colonel Johnson.’ ’ 

“I have heard that he is a great man with 
the Indians,” said Carroll. 

95 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


‘‘ He is their loyal friend and adviser, ” de¬ 
clared Jim. 

“Well, they’ll need him down here,” laughed 
Clayborne. “Neither General Braddock nor 
his troops have much regard for the Indians 
or our own militia. They seem to place little 
value upon the services of either. 

“That is unfortunate,” said Jim. 

“Very,” agreed Clayborne. “Perhaps when 
they really get into the wilderness and meet 
the French and their Indians and rangers they 
may form a better opinion of our troops.” 

“I feel certain of it,” declared Jim. 

Shortly afterward Jim and Kichkinet left the 
scouts, and w T ent to their tent. Both Colonel 
Johnson and Lieutenant Gordon were absent. 
It was not long, however, before they returned. 

“Well, Mr. Mason, have you looked over the 
camp?” inquired Colonel Johnson. 

“We have seen a large part of it, sir,” Jim 
told him. 

“What do you think of it?” 

“I found it very interesting,” said Jim. 

“It is possible that we shall be here many 
days, as a number of the delegates from the 
provinces have not yet arrived,” Colonel John¬ 
son told him. 

It was a week later when the last of the dele- 

96 




JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


\ ■ " ..— 

gates finally arrived, and Governor Dinwiddie 
called the conference to order. On the second 
day Jim and Kichkinet were summoned before 
the council to give testimony concerning the 
Mohawks. Many famous men were seated 
about the council table, and Jim was greatly 
interested as Colonel Johnson told their names. 
Besides Governor Dinwiddie, there were Colo¬ 
nel George Washington, a tall, handsome youth 
of twenty-three years; Governor Shirley of 
Massachusetts; the famous Benjamin Franklin 
of Pennsylvania, Governor De Lancey of New 
York; Governor Dobbs of North Carolina; 
Governor Sharpe of Maryland; General Brad- 
dock; Colonel Gage and many others, equally 
prominent. 

Colonel Johnson introduced Jim, and spoke 
* . high terms of his services to the colonies. 
Then the young woodsman was questioned con- 
cerrmg the Mohawks. He spoke in a quiet, 
f^-ceful manner that made a striking impres¬ 
sion upon his audience. When he had given his 
testimony he immediately withdrew from the 
coherence with Kichkinet. 

“Mr. Mason, you have made a most favor¬ 
able impression,” Colonel Johnson told him, 
some hours later. “General Braddock has 
asked me to relinquish you for his service. It 

97 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


is a rare compliment, for I am led to believe 
that the English general has little confidence 
in any but trained regular troops. Do you care 
to serve him!” 

The proposal was so unexpected that Jim 
was astonished into silence. It was some mo¬ 
ments before he was able to reply. 

“Why, sir, I scarcely know what to say,” he 
said, finally. 1 c Has it actually come to war be¬ 
tween the French and ourselves?” 

“Yes, Mr. Mason, there is no other way out 
of the difficulty,” Colonel Johnson declared, 
soberly. “The French have ignored our ap¬ 
peals and treated our demands with scornful 
contempt. They have established themselves 
far within our territory, and they refuse to 
withdraw. Now we have resolved to resort t > 
force to drive them beyond our borders. It 
may prove to be a difficult and costly under¬ 
taking, and each of us must be willing to c ffer 
himself for the service of the colonies. 

6 ‘ General Braddock has determined to strike 
a crushing blow against our foes, and to that 
end it has been decided to divide the forced of 
the colonies into four separate commands. 
General Braddock with the troops now under 
his command will move against Fort Duquesne; 
Governor Shirley will lead an expedition 

98 




JIM BECOMES A SCOUT 


against the French fort at Niagara; a strong 
force from the New England colonies, nnder 
Lieutenant Colonel Moncton, will be sent to 
subdue Acadia; and I have been honored with 
the command of an expedition against the forts 
at Crown Point- General Braddock will be the 
first to move. He has little doubt of his ability 
to capture or destroy D-uquesne within a few 
hours after the attack. 

“Mr. Mason, if you accept service with Gen¬ 
eral Braddock I believe you will find an oppor¬ 
tunity to render valuable service to the colonies, 
and at the same time win further distinction 
and honor for yourself.” 

“My only desire, sir, is to faithfully serve the 
colonies,” said Jim. “In what capacity does 
General Braddock desire me to serve him?” 

“He desires your services as a scout, to keep 
him advised of the movements of the French 
and their Indians.” 

Jim was silent. 

“I should prefer to serve you, sir, in the 
same capacity,” he said, finally. 

“Aye, my lad, and that you may,” Colonel 
Johnson declared, heartily. “However, there 
is much to be done before I shall be ready to 
advance against Crown Point. It may be 
many weeks or even months before the advance 

99 


> > 
> > > 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


i 1 1 ■ ' ■ 1 1 11 1 1 

is actually begun. In the meantime General 
Braddock will have taken Duquesne. As soon 
as he receives the necessary number of horses 
and wagons, which have been slow in arriving, 
he will begin his march. However, Mr. Frank¬ 
lin has agreed to make a personal appeal to the 
people of Pennsylvania, and I feel certain that 
it will be but a short time before the shortage of 
animals and vehicles will be overcome. When 
you have completed your work for General 
Braddock, I shall expect you to render similar 
service for me. Mr. Mason, you may be as¬ 
sured that I shall make it plain to General 
Braddock that I shall relinquish my claim upon 
your services only with the understanding that 
I may call you the moment I need you .’ 9 

“Then, sir, I shall be glad to offer my serv¬ 
ices to General Braddock ,’ 9 said Jim. 

“Good,” declared Colonel Johnson. “I 
shall advise him of your decision. And now, 
Kichkinet, will you return to your people or 
remain here with Achawif” 

“Great Chief, I will stay here with my 
brother,” Kichkinet replied, quickly. 




CHAPTER VIII 


FORT CUMBERLAND 

T HREE days later Colonel Johnson and 
Lieutenant Gordon took their departure 
on the ship with Captain Barker. For an in¬ 
stant Jim was depressed and homesick as he 
watched the vessel move slowly down the river. 
Kichkinet, too, looked after it in gloomy silence. 
Both remained silent. Then they were sud¬ 
denly roused by the voice of Dick Clayborne, 
the Virginian. 

“Mr. Mason, I’m mighty glad you all are go¬ 
ing to join us in our efforts against the 
French,” he said. 

“Thank you,” replied Jim. 

“Won’t you and your friend share our quar¬ 
ters?” asked Clayborne. 

“Gladly, if you have room,” said Jim. 

“Yes; we can squeeze in two more cots, and 
I believe you will find us as congenial as the 
regulars,” laughed Clayborne. 

“I am sure of that,” Jim told him. 

However, the following day General Brad- 

101 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


dock sent orders for all of tliem to report at 
Fort Cumberland, which was several day’s 
journey up the river. 

4 ‘ Well, I’d sooner be where there is a chance 
for a little action,” declared Clayborne. 

‘ ‘ Here, too,” agreed Carroll. 

“Tell me about Fort Cumberland,” said Jim. 

“It really is not much of a fort,” explained 
Clayborne. “It was one of the posts main¬ 
tained by the Ohio Company. When the 
French threatened trouble-, our people trans¬ 
formed the old trading post into a fort. It is 
our outpost. Sort of a base from which we 
keep a watchful eye on the French. I believe 
General Braddock plans to move his army there 
as soon as he has secured the necessary sup¬ 
plies and equipment.” 

Early the next day they set out on their 
journey. They followed the Potomac through 
a great primeval forest of hardwoods in which 
Jim and Kichkinet immediately felt at home. 
Game was abundant, and late in the day Jim 
killed a young turkey cock which they broiled 
over the embers of the evening fire. 

For several days they traveled leisurely on 
their way, and Jim learned considerable about 
his companions. The three Virginians soon 
showed that they were experienced and expert 

102 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


woodsmen, and Jim found them splendid com¬ 
rades. In the friendly, intimate talks about 
the camp tire he learned that Dick Clayborne 
and George Bradford had served with Colonel 
Washington the previous year in his disastrous 
encounter with the French. Robert Carroll 
had served for three years as a scout along the 
Virginia border, and was thoroughly familiar 
with the savage methods of wilderness warfare. 
Jim told of his experiences with the Mohawks, 
and Kichkinet was made to play a prominent 
and heroic part in the narrative of their adven¬ 
tures in the northern wilderness. 

Then they came in sight of Fort Cumberland. 
A large square clearing had been made in the 
heart of the forest, and the fort and auxiliary 
buildings, surrounded by a high log stockade, 
Were situated on the crest of a low knoll. 

“Here we are,” Clayborne cried gayly, as 
they emerged from the woods. 

Several men who were at work near the fort 
turned to watch them, and a number of blue 
coated soldiers appeared from the stockade. 
Clayborne waved his cap, and called reassur¬ 
ingly. 

“Friends,” he shouted. 

' The men at the fort appeared suspicious. It 
was evident that they had failed to recognize 

103 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


him. They watched sharply as Clayborne and 
his companions advanced across the stumpy 
clearing. As they drew near the fort, a tall 
bearded man in buckskins came to meet them. 

“Well, well; this a grand surprise,” he said. 
“Dick Clayborne, howdy do; and George Brad¬ 
ford, you rascal; and, bless my eyes, here is 
good old Bob Carroll. Come right along; the 
boys shore will be glad to see you all. ,, 

“Tom Dale, I certainly am glad to see you,” 
Clayborne said, heartily. “Shake hands with 
my friend, James Mason, from the north, and 
Kichkinet, a famous Mohawk scout.” 

“Glad to know you,” said Dale, as he glanced 
closely at the Mohawk. 

They were forced to stop at the stockade to 
greet their friends. Then they entered the in¬ 
closure and made their way toward the fort. 
It was a small two-storied building of logs, 
with portholes. Several other log buildings 
were grouped about it. One appeared to be 
the barracks, and the others store houses and 
work shops. There was a watch tower and a 
small cannon at each corner of the stockade. 
Several other cannons w T ere placed in the open 
space about the fort. 

“We have come under orders from General 
Braddock, and we wish to report to Captain 

104 





FORT CUMBERLAND 


Wyatt/* Clayborne told the sentinel at the 
fort. 

“You will find Captain Wyatt in his quar¬ 
ters,” the sentinel told him. 

They passed into the fort, and found the offi¬ 
cer in a small room at one end of the building. 
He was a young man of aristocratic appear¬ 
ance, with a jolly tanned face and sharp blue 
eyes. He wore the blue uniform of the Vir¬ 
ginia militia, high polished riding boots, and a 
black three-cornered hat. His hair was pow¬ 
dered and worn in a queue. He turned from 
his writing as Clayborne knocked at the open 
door. 

“Come in,” he said. 

“Good even’, Captain Wyatt,” said Clay- 
borne. 

“Why, Clayborne, I am indeed glad to see 
you,” he cried. “And George Bradford, and 
Bob Carroll.” 

He paused and looked closely at Jim and 
Kichkinet. 

“Captain Wyatt, this gentleman is James 
Mason, who has served Colonel Johnson on the 
northern frontiers. This young warrior is his 
friend and comrade, Kichkinet, the son of a 
famous Mohawk chief.” 

“I am very glad to know you, sir,” the offi- 

105 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


cer said, as he offered his hand to Jim, and 
"bowed to the Mohawk. 

“ General Braddock has instructed me to de¬ 
liver this letter into your hands, ” said Clay- 
borne, as he passed a sealed document. 

The officer broke the seal, and read slowly. 
When he had finished he glanced at Jim and the 
Mohawk. 

“Mr. Mason, General Braddock speaks 
highly of your courage and ability/ ’ he said. 

Jim flushed at the compliment. 

“Clayborne, I asked General Braddock to 
send you here so that I may be better informed 
of the activities and intentions of the French 
at Duquesne. Of late they have been rather 
active. Tom Dale has discovered their scouts 
within a day’s journey of the fort. While I do 
not anticipate an actual attack, I believe it may 
be well to take precautions. 

“And now, Clayborne, if you will take your 
friends to the barracks, I believe you will find 
quarters. To-morrow I shall give you instruc¬ 
tions. 

“Very good, Captain Wyatt,” replied Clay- 
borne. 

They left the fort and went to the barracks. 
It was a long one-storied building of logs. The 
single room was provided with double tiers of 

106 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


bunks similar to those at Fort Johnson. Many 
of the bunks appeared to be unoccupied, and 
Jim was surprised at the weakness of the gar¬ 
rison. He had expected to find many more 
troops. 

“The fort does not appear to be very 
strongly garrisoned/ ’ he told Clayborne. 

“No,” replied Clayborne. “You see, as I 
have already explained, it really is little more 
than an outpost. When it was decided to make 
the place the rendezvous for the troops of Gen¬ 
eral Braddock, a company of provincial militia 
was sent here to make preparations. They 
have been here throughout the winter, and it 
was they who transformed the trading post 
into the present fort, and cleared the adjacent 
land. They have also cut a road some distance 
into the woods, in the direction of Duquesne. 
Now everything appears to be in readiness for 
General Braddock and his troops. 

“Mr. Mason, there has been blundering, and 
it has caused a perilous and costly delay. If 
the French have learned of our intentions, and 
I fear they have, they have had time to 
strengthen the garrison at Duquesne, and make 
our task a difficult one.” 

“What has caused the difficulty?” Jim in¬ 
quired, curiously. 


107 






JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“Bungling; inexcusable bungling,” declared 
Clayborne. 4 ‘In the first place General Brad- 
dock and bis regulars should have gone directly 
to Pennsylvania. He not only would have been 
very much nearer his goal, but he would have 
found far less difficulty in securing his equip¬ 
ment and supplies.’’ 

“How so!” inquired Jim. 

“For the reason that the population of Penn¬ 
sylvania is composed very largely of farmers, 
almost all of whom raise large crops and own 
horses and wagons. At present that province 
also has a monopoly of the freight traffic, and 
many large caravans with hundreds of horses 
and great canvas topped wagons pass over its 
highways each day. If proper provision had 
been made it might have been possible to have 
secured most of them for the use of General 
Braddock. 

“In our own province, circumstances are 
quite different. Most of our people are plant¬ 
ers, engaged in the production of tobacco. As 
the crop is largely cultivated by hand, horses 
and especially wagons are scarce and difficult 
to procure. In like manner, there is little prod¬ 
uce and still less live stock raised for trade. 
For these reasons General Braddock has found 
it almost impossible to secure the necessary 

108 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


transportation facilities and supplies for his 
troops.’’ 

“I understand,” said Jim. 

A few moments later Clayborne went to join 
his friends, and Jim and Kichkinet were left 
to themselves. Then they, too, left the bar¬ 
racks. The sun had already disappeared be¬ 
hind a high pine clad ridge to the westward, 
and the day was almost at an end. A fire 
burned briskly in the center of the stockaded 
inclosure, and a number of men were busily en¬ 
gaged preparing the evening mess. Little 
groups of soldiers loitered about the fort. Jim 
saw Clayborne talking with Tom Dale, the 
scout. Then a bugle sounded the mess call, and 
the men moved toward the fire. 

“Mohawk, it is time to eat,” said Jim. 

They joined the company, and Clayborne and 
his friends sat beside them. Jim found the 
Virginia militiamen quite as companionable as 
the men at Fort Johnson, and he soon entered 
heartily into the spirit of jolly comradeship 
that pervaded the meal. When they had fin¬ 
ished eating the men assembled about the fire, 
and sang their songs. The melodies were far 
different from the rollicking songs of the wil¬ 
derness which Jim had heard at Fort Johnson, 
for the Virginians sang the soft, crooning negro 

109 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


melodies which they had learned in childhood 
from the slaves on the plantations. 

Then, as darkness settled upon the camp, a 
sudden hush fell upon the company, and the 
men became serious and thoughtful. They 
gathered in little groups and talked soberly. 
Several left the company and went to the gate 
of the stockade. They returned with serious 
faces. 

“Any news?” their comrades inquired, anx¬ 
iously. 

They shook their heads. 

“Anything wrong?” Jim asked Clayborne. 

“A sergeant and two soldiers are missing,” 
the Virginian told him. “They went hunting 
early to-day to secure meat for the garrison, 
and they have failed to return.” 

At that moment Tom Dale joined them. 

“Boys, it shore looks bad,” he said. “I fear 
those fellows have met with trouble. Only two 
days back I found fresh moccasin tracks along 
the river, about three leagues above the 
fort.” 

“Perhaps they have lost their way,” Clay- 
borne suggested, hopefully. 

“It’s not likely,” said Dale. “Sergeant 
Harvey knows the country, and all three of 
them were raised at the edge of the woods. No, 

110 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


Dick, I believe something has happened to 
them. ’ 9 

“We must try to find them,” declared Clay- 
borne. 

“We can’t do much before daylight,” Dale 
told him. 

“Which way did they go?” inquired Carroll. 

“They crossed the river to hunt along the 
ridges; the canoe is over there on the shore,” 
replied Dale. 

“We will set out to look for them at day¬ 
light,” said Clayborne. 

For some moments they sat in silence. Then 
Kichkinet turned, and spoke earnestly to Jim. 
The latter appeared interested. When the Mo¬ 
hawk finished, Jim nodded approval. 

“My friends, the Mohawk desires to speak,” 
he said. “Will you hear him?” 

“Yes, indeed,” said Clayborne. 

“Mohawk, tell my brothers how you feel 
about tliis thing,” Jim told Kichkinet. 

“My friends, I believe it would be foolish to 
wait until the light comes,” Kichkinet told 
them. ‘ 4 If the French have caught your broth¬ 
ers, I believe they will take them to the 
French camp. I believe they will travel along 
the river. Perhaps they will stop to rest until 
the light comes. Then they will go ahead. If 

111 






JIM MASON, SCOUT 


you wait for the new day it will be hard to 
come up with them. If you go now perhaps you 
will catch them before they go ahead again.” 

“I believe the Mohawk has the right idea,” 
declared Carroll. 

“It shore sounds reasonable,” agreed Dale. 

“It is the only thing to do,” Clayborne told 
them. “Come, let’s be on our way. Mr. Mason, 
will you and the Mohawk join us ? ” 

“I shall be glad to go,” said Jim. “Kichki- 
net, will you go ? ” 

“I will go,” replied Kichkinet. 

‘ ‘ Good, ’ ’ cried Dale. “ I ’ll go to the fort, and 
tell Captain Wyatt what we propose to do.” 

He soon returned and told them that Captain 
Wyatt had approved the plan, and given him a 
pass from the fort. 

“However, boys, he has sort of spoiled the 
party,” said Dale. “He says he doesn’t wish 
to lose all his scouts at once. He appears to 
think that four of us will make a big enough 
meal for the French and their Injuns. George, 
you and Bob have been ordered to remain at 
the fort.” 

“Luck is against us, Bob,” Bradford said, 
gloomily. 

“And to think that for weeks I’ve been wish¬ 
ing for a little excitement,” cried Carroll. 

112 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


“Bless me, Bob, you’ve had more than your 
share, already,” declared Bale. “Why, man, 
you had enough action along the border to 
last a lifetime. However, don’t you all go to 
worrying, for I believe before we’re through 
with the French there’ll be plenty of action for 
all of us/’ 

Shortly afterward the four scouts left the 
fort, and made their way to the river where 
they stopped to discuss the plan of action. Tom 
Bale was made the leader. 

“Now, boys, we all have got to figure this 
thing out a bit,” he said. “If those fellows 
have fallen into the grip of the French, it 
appears probable that they’ve been taken up 
the river. But which side of the river are they 
likely to be on? That’s the big question. Any¬ 
way, we will travel faster and quieter if we 
take to canoes. We’ll divide up into two parties. 
Then we’ll move along both sides of the river. 
If w T e stumble upon the French, we’ll signal to 
one another. Let the signal be the call of the 
barred owl, given three times, then a pause, 
and then three times more. Mason, I pre¬ 
sume you and the Mohawk can make the 
call. ’ ’ 

Kichkinet called softly, and the imitation 
was perfect. 


113 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


i ‘ Good enough, Mohawk, and better than I 
can do,” laughed Dale. 

They found a number of canoes along the 
shore, and they carried two to the river. 

“Mason, you and the Mohawk,take one canoe 
and follow along this side of the river,” said 
Dale. 

‘ ‘Good,” agreed Jim. 

‘ 1 Dick and I will cross the river and move 
along the other shore. You all wait here until 
we Ve had a chance to get over. When you hear 
something that may sound a little like a fox 
yapping, go ahead. ’ ’ 

“I understand,” replied Jim. 

Then Dale and Clayborne entered the canoe, 
and paddled away into the darkness, and Jim 
and Kichkinet seated themselves to wait for the 
signal. It was some time before they heard it. 
Then, from across the river, sounded the quick, 
husky yapping of the little gray fox. 

‘ 4 Come,” said Jim, as he led the way to the 
canoe. 

Kichkinet, as usual, seated himself in the 
bow of the canoe, and they paddled rapidly up 
the river. Jim was armed with his rifle, but 
the Mohawk relied upon his bow and ar¬ 
rows. Both, however, carried tomahawks and 
knives. 


114 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


‘‘ Kichkinet, the French have many Indians, ’’ 
Jim told the Mohawk. 

“Hurons,” the Mohawk said, savagely. 

“Yes; I know about them, hut there are 
others.” 

“Shawnees, Lenapes, Mingoes, Ojibwas,” 
said Kichkinet. 

Jim kept silent. He believed that the Shaw¬ 
nees and the Lenapes, or Delawares, might have 
been won for the English if the latter had 
showed them the same consideration which 
they had received from the French. Instead, 
the English provinces had treated them with 
indifference and contempt. It was only because 
of the tireless efforts of Colonel Johnson, and 
the intense hatred which they had for the 
French, that the Mohawks and their warlike 
tribesmen to the westward had remained faith¬ 
ful to the English. Jim took keen satisfaction 
in the thought that he, too, had played a prom¬ 
inent part in securing the allegiance of the 
Mohawks for the war against the French. 

His meditations were suddenly interrupted 
by the sound of something moving cautiously 
through the woods along the shore. Jim put 
away his paddle and seized his rifle. Then 
they watched and listened. It seemed unlikely 
that they had come upon their enemies so soon, 

115 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


but they determined to take precautions. In a 
few moments they again heard what appeared 
to be soft, cautious footfalls passing near the 
edge of the water. 

“Na-o-geh,” Kichkinet said, finally. 

It was the Mohawk name for deer. At that 
instant two large green eyes stared at them 
from the edge of the woods. Then they heard 
a loud, startled snort, and a moment after¬ 
ward the deer bounded away into the night. 

4 4 Well, Mohawk, that means there is no one 
close by,” said Jim. 

t ‘ It is true, ’ 1 replied KichkineL 

They resumed their way up the river. Then, 
as the night wore on and they neither heard nor 
saw anything to indicate that French scouts 
were in the vicinity, Jim began to doubt that 
the sergeant and his companions had fallen into 
the hands of their enemies. 

“Mohawk, I am beginning to believe that 
those men lost their way,” he said. “Perhaps 
they have already returned to the fort.’” 

‘ ‘ It may be true, ’ ’ agreed Kichkinet. 

They had barely ceased speaking when they 
heard the owl call on the other side of the river. 
They ceased paddling, and listened anxiously. 
Three times the call echoed weirdly across the 
water, and then all was still. Several moments 

116 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


passed, and they waited in trying suspense. 
Then the call was repeated. 

“They have found the French!” Jim said, 
excitedly. 

They turned the canoe, and paddled toward 
the other side of the river. As they drew near 
the shore they became more cautious. They 
waited a long time to discover the glow from a 
fire, or hear the sound of voices. There was 
nothing, however, to give them a clew. Then 
they attempted to locate Dale and Clayborne. 
Slowly, noiselessly, they paddled along in the 
heavy shadows from the forest. At last a long 
black object loomed up out of the night, and 
they suddenly found themselves beside the 
other canoe. 

“Speak easy,” whispered Dale. 

“Have you found them?” Jim asked, 
eagerly. 

“Don’t know,” Dale told him. “We heard 
something that sounded like the sharp pop of a 
smouldering log.: Then we thought we smelled 
smoke. We can’t see any signs of a fire. May¬ 
be it has died out.” 

“Where did you hear those sounds?” in¬ 
quired Jim. 

“A long rifle shot ahead of us.” 

They spent some time listening for further 

117 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


sounds from the forest, but the silence was 
unbroken. At last they paddled cautiously up 
the river. When they were near the spot where 
they had heard the noise, Dale stopped, and 
whispered his instructions. 

“Let the Mohawk go ashore and snoop 
around some/’ he said. “There’s no one like 
an Injun for that job.” 

Jim told Kichkinet. 

“I will go,” the Mohawk said, quietly. 

They paddled to the shore, and Kichkinet 
stepped from the canoe and vanished into the 
night. They listened sharply, but he disap¬ 
peared without a sound. It was a long time be¬ 
fore he returned. Then he suddenly appeared 
as silently as he had gone. 

“I have found them,” he said. 

“How many?” Dale asked, eagerly. 

“Six white men; two Indians,” replied 
Kichkinet. “The fire is dead. They are all 
asleep.” 

“Good,” said Clayborne. 

“Come; there is not a moment to waste,” 
Dale told them. 

They left the canoes, and followed Kichkinet 
into the woods. Jim kept close behind him. 
When they had gone a bowshot, the Mohawk: 
stopped. 


118 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


“They are near; we must be cautious / 9 he 
warned. 

He led them to a small opening in timber. 
Then he stopped, and pointed into the clearing. 
His companions gathered about him. 

“There they are/’ he whispered. 

They saw a number of indistinct black forms 
upon the ground. It was impossible to dis¬ 
tinguish them. 

“We can’t tell friend from foe,” said Dale. 
“We’ll have to wait for daylight.” 

They seated themselves at the edge of the 
clearing to await the dawn. It was a long and 
tedious wait. Daylight seemed very slow in 
arriving. At last, however, the darkness 
gradually faded into a soft, misty twilight that 
made it possible to recognize their friends. The 
three militiamen were lying beside one another, 
and all of them were bound. Two Indians and 
three white men were near them. All appeared 
to be sleeping soundly. 

“Come, boys, pick your man,” whispered 
Dale. 

They moved forward into the clearing, and 
advanced stealthily upon their foes. One of 
the militiamen awakened and raised his head. 
He stared at them in wide-eyed astonishment. 
Dale placed his finger across his lips, and the 

119 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


militiaman sank back. Jim and Clayborne 
approached the white men, and Dale and 
Kichkinet moved toward the Indians. They 
had almost reached them, when one of the 
Indians awakened and saw them. He yelled 
to arouse his companions, and grabbed wildly 
for his bow. Before he could string his arrow, 
Kichkinet sprang forward with upraised toma¬ 
hawk and struck him to the ground. Dale 
hurled himself upon the other Indian, and soon 
choked him into submission. As the white men 
sat up in bewildered astonishment, they saw 
Jim and Clayborne staring at them over the 
sights of their rifles.\ 

“Don’t move,” Jim commanded, sharply. 

At that moment Dale left the helpless Indians 
in charge of Kichkinet, and went to join Jim 
and Clayborne. The Canadians looked help¬ 
lessly at one another, but remained silent. 
Their own rifles and those of the militiamen 
were close beside them, but they knew that it 
meant death to attempt to seize them. 

“Clayborne, get the guns,” said Dale. 
“Strangers, if you make one move before I tell 
you, we’ll shoot to kill.” 

One of the men spoke quickly to his com¬ 
panion. 


120 




FORT CUMBERLAND 


“Take care,” warned Dale. “No tricks; we 
mean business.” 

“I only tell heem wat you say,” replied the 
Canadian half-breed. “He no spak de Ang- 
leesh.” 

“All right,” said Dale- “Go ahead, Clay- 
borne.” 

The Virginian advanced and secured the 
rifles. The three militiamen raised a cheer. 

“Good boy; now give it to ’em,” they 
shouted. 

“Go over and free those fellows,” Dale told 
Clayborne. “Mason and I will watch these 
men.” 

“How did you do it?” inquired Sergeant 
Harvey, as Clayborne freed him from his 
bonds. 

“I’ll tell you later,” said Clayborne. 

Dale sent two of the militiamen to guard the 
Indians who were slowly regaining conscious¬ 
ness. 

“Here, bring over those buckskin thongs, 
and we’ll give these fellows some of their own 
medicine, ’ ’ he told Clayborne. 

As Dale covered the prisoners with his rifle, 
Jim and Clayborne went behind them and tied 
their wrists. Then the Indians were bound and 
led forward to join their unhappy companions., 

121 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“They’re Potawattomies,” said Dale. 

“They have two canoes hidden along the 
river,*’ Sergeant Harvey told him. 

“Good,” cried Dale. “Now we can take the 
whole outfit to the fort.” 




CHAPTER IX 


AN AWKWARD SITUATION 

F OR several long, tedious weeks after the 
adventure on the Potomac, Jim and his 
fellow scouts loitered at Fort Cumberland with 
little to do. They were sent out on a number of 
short expeditions to look for the French, but 
the latter appeared to be keeping at a safe dis¬ 
tance from the English fort. However, Cap¬ 
tain Wyatt gained considerable information 
from the prisoners whom Jim and his compan¬ 
ions had captured. Thus the days dragged 
along while the militiamen grumbled at the 
delay in advancing against Duquesne, and 
wondered what detained General Braddock at 
Alexandria. 

“We are losing valuable time,” declared 
Clayborne. 

“It is unfortunate,” said Jim. 

Then, at the end of a bright May day, the 
little garrison was thrown into a commotion by 
the shrill notes of fifes and the loud beating of 
drums. Captain Wyatt hastily assembled the 

123 



JIM MASON, SCOUT 


militiamen. As they marched from the stock¬ 
ade they saw a great mass of troops appearing 
from the woods. At the front of the column 
rode General Braddock with Colonel Washing¬ 
ton and several other aides. They were fol¬ 
lowed by two regiments of English regulars, 
and after them came several companies of 
yirginia militia, and the artillery. A long line 
of baggage wagons and pack horses brought up 
the rear. The soldiers advanced with bands 
playing and flags flying, and Jim thrilled at the 
sight. 

As General Braddock halted his troops in the 
clearing before the fort, Captain Wyatt and 
his lieutenants went out to meet him. They 
exchanged official greetings, and then General 
Braddock and his staff rode to the fort. A 
cannon boomed as they neared the stockade, 
the militiamen presented arms, and bugles 
sounded the salute. 

Jim and Kichkinet looked on with interest, as 
the great assemblage of troops prepared to 
make camp. There was considerable confu¬ 
sion, and it was apparent that the English regu¬ 
lars were little more familiar with the orderly 
methods of bivouacking in the open than the 
inexperienced militiamen of the provinces. For 
a time troops, artillery and baggage train were 

124 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


thrown together in one great intricate jumble. 
At last, however, the officers gained control and 
restored order. Then each division of troops 
was assigned to its particular camp site, and 
the work of encamping was begun. The clear¬ 
ing became the center of bustling activity. The 
cannons and baggage wagons were drawn up in 
orderly array, and the horses were unharnessed 
and tied to stout picket ropes that had been 
stretched around the borders of the clearing.. 
The tents were taken from the wagons, and 
squads of soldiers raised them in place. Within 
a short time the clearing was white with them. 
Axmen labored at the edge of the forest to pro¬ 
vide wood for the fires. Teamsters carried 
forage to their horses. The cooks began prep¬ 
arations for the evening meal. By the time 
darkness fell the great camp was in order, and 
sentinels were patrolling their posts. 

The following day Croghan, a famous Indian 
trader, arrived with a company of fifty Iroquois 
warriors. Most of them were Oneidas, and all 
were painted for war. They made their camp 
beyond the soldiers at the edge of the woods, 
and Jim and the Mohawk went to inspect them. 
They were tall, powerful men who made a fa¬ 
vorable impression, and Jim believed they would 
render valuable service to General BraddocL 

125 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


Many of the soldiers, particularly the English 
regulars, looked upon them with contempt and 
derision. Unfamiliar with the significance of 
the facial markings, and the gayly decorated 
scalp-locks, they found much to amuse them, 
and laughed insultingly at the dignified war¬ 
riors who had come to aid them. 

i ‘Bless me,” cried an English sergeant. 
“They look fierce enough, but I’ll warrant the 
first shot will send ’em scamperin’ through the 
woods like rabbits.” 

“You are greatly mistaken,” Jim told him. 

The soldier smiled scornfully. 

“Friends of yours!” he inquired, mockingly. 

“They are,” Jim answered, quickly. 

The sergeant shrugged his shoulders, and 
turned away. 

General Braddock treated the Oneidas with 
more respect. He invited the chiefs to his 
quarters, ordered the cannons fired in their 
honor, and compelled the guard to salute them., 
On the following day he sent a large consign¬ 
ment of provisions to their camp for a feast. 

At sunset the Oneidas began their celebra¬ 
tion. A fire was lighted in the center of their 
camp, and the beef which General Braddock 
had provided was broiled over the glowing 
embers. Then the warriors seated themselves 

126 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


in a great circle and began to eat. Jim and 
Kichkinet sat with Croghan, the trader. He 
was a short, powerful man with long black hair 
and a heavy beard. He was dressed in buck¬ 
skins, and wore a fur cap. 

14 Mason, I knew your father/’ he told Jim. 
“He had great power with the Mohawks.’’ 

“So Colonel Johnson has told me,” replied 
Jim. 

“Yes, your father stood high in the opinion 
of Ha-yo-went-ha and his people.” 

“Then you know them,” said Jim. 

“I know ’em all,” declared Croghan. “I 
never traded much 'with the Mohawks, but I’ve 
been to their villages many times. Most of my 
tradin’ has been done with the tribes farther to 
the westward; the Oneidas, and Onondagas and 
Senecas.” 

“How do those people feel toward us?” Jim 
inquired, eagerly. 

“Some of ’em are leanin’ toward the 
French,” Croghan told him. They’re tryin’ 
hard to win ’em, and maybe they ’ll succeed. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps our own people are at fault,” said 

Jim. 

“Thar’s no doubt of that,” agreed Croghan. 
“I’ve seen some sharp tricks played on those 
Injuns.” 


127 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


At that moment one of the Oneidas rose to 
address his companions. He was a tall well- 
proportioned man of middle age, and Jim noted 
that one side of his face was badly disfigured. 

“That man is Broken Face; he’s the leader 
of this war party,” Croghan told Jim. “Some 
years ago he got mixed up with a hear, and 
lost part of his face in the fight.” 

As the Oneida began to speak, Kichkinet 
translated his words. 

“My brothers, we have eaten the food which 
the great white chief sent here for us,” he said. 
“We know that his heart is good for us. Now 
I am glad we came here to help him fight his 
enemies. It is a great war party. Look about 
you. The lodges of the white men are every¬ 
where. The white chief has many warriors. 
My brothers, none of them are braver than the 
Oneidas. Come, we will dance the war dance, 
and sing the war songs to show our white 
brothers that our hearts are strong.” 

Fresh fuel was placed upon the fire, and as it 
burst into flame the warriors formed in a circle 
and began to dance. Carrying their weapons, 
they circled slowly about the fire, chanting the 
war songs and stepping in time with the music. 

As the wild, thrilling strains of the war songs 
echoed through the camp, the troops hurried to 

128 





AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


the spot to witness the ceremony. Then Gen¬ 
eral Braddock and his officers appeared. His 
arrival was the signal for an outburst of yells 
and war cries from the Oneidas, and a perfect 
bedlam of sound rang through the camp as the 
frenzied dancers capered about the fire in the 
violent antics of the war dance. 

It was a wild and fascinating scene—the 
excited Oneidas leaping frantically about the 
roaring fire, the picturesque assemblage of seri¬ 
ous spectators, the white, shadowy forms of 
the tents in the clearing, and about it all the 
towering wall of grim black forest. 

Then, as the Oneidas reached the height of 
their enthusiasm, a shrill, piercing shout rose 
above the din and echoed defiantly through the 
night. All instantly recognized it as the war 
cry—a bold challenge from unseen foes. The 
Oneidas were astonished into silence. The 
white men turned to one another with alert, 
serious faces. Several moments passed. Then 
the challenge was repeated. A moment after¬ 
ward it ivas followed by a wild, taunting laugh. 
The sounds came from the fort. 

“To arms, to arms!” shouted an excited 
officer. “The French and their Indians are 
upon us!” 

General Braddock and his officers hurried 

129 






JIM MASON , SCOUT 


toward the fort. Most of the soldiers rushed 
after them. Tom Dale, the scout, smiled and 
shook his head. 

“Thar’s nothin’ to get anxious about,” he 
said. “It’s those Injuns we caught along the 
river. They’re showin’ the Oneidas how brave 
they are. ’ ’ 

“I believe that is exactly who it is,” agreed 
Jim. 

“It is bad,’’ Kichkinet said, soberly. ‘‘ When 
my people find out about it they will be very 
mad. Perhaps they will go to the fort and kill 
those prisoners.” 

“Yes, son, I smell trouble brewin’,” de¬ 
clared Croghan. 

Broken Face, the Oneida war leader, had 
already approached Kichkinet. They were talk¬ 
ing earnestly. Jim and his companions watched 
them with considerable uneasiness. They saw 
the face of the Oneida cloud with anger. Then 
he turned to his companions. 

“What did he say?” Jim asked, anxiously. 

‘ 1 He is very mad, ’ ’ replied Kichkinet. 

“Clayborne, Clayborne,” called Tom Dale. 

The Virginian hastened to him. 

“Go to the fort and tell Captain Wyatt to 
assemble the troops,” said Dale. “Those fool 
Pottawattomies have started trouble. The 

130 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


Oneidas may try to break into the fort and kill 
them .’ 1 

“I shall warn Captain Wyatt,” said Clay- 
borne. 

Broken Face was talking excitedly to his 
companions. 

“Tell me his words,” Jim told Kichkinet. 

“He is telling his brothers about those 
Indians,” said Kichkinet. “He says they are 
our enemies. He says they have laughed at the 
Oneidas. Achawi, Broken Face says those 
Indians must die.” 

As Broken Face ceased speaking, the Onei¬ 
das raised their voices in a savage shout that 
rang ominously through the night and carried 
a sinister warning to those at the fort. Then 
they began to sing their war songs, and utter 
fierce threats against the boastful Pottawat- 
tomies. Broken Face turned to the little group 
of scouts. 

“My brothers, Kichkinet has told me about 
those boastful Pottawattomies who are tied up 
in your fort,” he said. “They are our enemies. 
Your great chief should have told us about 
them. We would have brought them here and 
showed you how the Oneidas kill their enemies. 
Now we are going to ask your people to give us 

131 




r 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


those Pottawattomies. Then we will bring them 
here and let you see how brave they are.” 

The white men remained silent. They real¬ 
ized that a perilous emergency had arisen, and 
they were trying to think of a way out of the 
difficulty. Confident that the officers at the 
fort would refuse to surrender the captives, 
they feared that the refusal might arouse the 
anger of the Oneidas and lead to a clash with 
the troops. 

“Kichkinet, talk to your brothers and tell 
them that the white chief will punish the boast¬ 
ful Pottawattomies,” Jim said, eagerly. 

Kichkinet turned to the enraged Oneidas, 
and Croghan interpreted his words. 

“My brothers, I am a Mohawk,” he said. 
“The great chief Ha-yo-went-lia is my father. 
Most of you know him. The Oneidas and the 
Mohawks have the same mother and the same 
father. We are brothers. Your enemies are 
my enemies. 

“Now, my brothers, listen sharp to what I 
am about to say. I went up the river with my 
brother Achawi, and some white men, and we 
caught those Pottawattomies. We did not try 
to kill them. We brought them to the fort, and 
gave them to our white brothers. They wish 
to let them live so that they can find out about 

132 





AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


the French., It is good. Pretty soon you will 
he able to kill many enemies. Wait, my 
brothers. Leave those foolish Pottawattomies 
with the white chief. If you try to take them 
the white chief will be very mad. I have 
spoken.’ ’ 

The Oneidas received his words in silence. 
Jim and his companions watched fearfully. 
They read disappointment and anger on the 
faces of the Oneidas. Broken Face was talk¬ 
ing earnestly to his warriors. Kichkinet waited 
calmly for their decision. 

1 1 What is he saying,” Jim asked Croghan. 

“He’s talkin’ against it,” the trader replied, 
solemnly. “It looks bad.” 

It was evident that the Oneidas indorsed the 
words of their leader. He turned to Kichkinet. 
Croghan translated his words. 

“My brother, we have listened to your talk, 
but it sounds like the talk of the white men,” 
declared Broken Face. “We will not do what 
you ask us to do. We are going to the fort to 
get those Pottawattomies. They have laughed 
at us. Well, my brother, pretty soon you will 
hear them scream and cry like women.” 

Then the entire company advanced toward 
the fort, shouting fiercely, and singing the war 
songs. Jim and the scouts hurried on in ad- 

133 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


r . i. — —— —— i. i ■■ 1 — 

vance of the Oneidas. They heard the shrill 
blast of a bugle, and a moment afterward two 
large fires blazed up near the entrance to the 
stockade. The fort and its surroundings were 
brightly illuminated. Several companies of 
soldiers stood at ease before the stockade. The 
garrison appeared prepared for an emergency. 
Jim believed it was a fatal blunder. The Onei¬ 
das stopped, a bowshot from the troops, and 
looked upon them with angry eyes. Then Cap¬ 
tain Wyatt and several other officers went to 
meet them. Broken Face confronted them. 

“My brothers, is this the way you welcome 
your friends?” he asked, angrily. “Where is 
your great chief ?” 

“He is waiting to see you,” Captain Wyatt 
told him. “He has sent me here to take you to 
him. ’’ 

“Good,” said the Oneida. 

They passed the troops and entered the stock¬ 
ade. Jim took advantage of the delay to move 
among the troops, and caution them against 
rousing the temper of the Oneidas. Many of 
them treated the warning with scornful con¬ 
tempt. 

“Do you suppose we’re afraid of a lot of 
painted heathens?” an English sergeant in¬ 
quired, angrily. “ If I had my way I’d give ’em 

134 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


those two villains in the fort, and then drive 
the whole pack into the woods. These greenhorn 
militiamen are bad enough, but the savages are 
ten times worse. Neither of ’em are worth their 
rations. I can’t see why the General bothers 
with ’em.” 

He was the man who had spoken sarcastically 
of the Oneidas the previous day, and Jim 
turned upon him in anger. 

“I believe before long you will have good 
cause to change your opinion of both the pro¬ 
vincial troops and their Indian allies,” he said. 

“Bah,” the soldier cried, impatiently. 

Shortly afterward Broken Face returned 
from the fort. He appeared disturbed and 
angry as he passed disdainfully among the 
troops and joined his companions. They 
gathered eagerly about him. Jim and Kichki- 
net went forward to hear his words. 

“My brothers, the white chief has turned 
against us,” he said. “He will not listen to 
my words. He will not give up the Potta- 
wattomies. They are singing their war songs 
and laughing at us. See, the white chief has 
sent out his warriors. Perhaps he is trying to 
frighten us. Well, my brothers, we are Onei¬ 
das. Our hearts are strong. We are not afraid 
of all those white men. We came here to help 

135 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


them. Now I see that we were very foolish. 
Come, we will go back to our people and tell 
them what has happened to us. I have spoken.’’ 

His words were received with approval. It 
was evident that the Oneidas failed to under¬ 
stand the motives of the white men. They inter¬ 
preted the refusal to surrender the prisoners 
as a breach of loyalty on the part of the men 
whom they had come to aid, and they were 
humiliated and enraged. They could not under¬ 
stand why General Braddock and his officers 
desired to protect their enemies, and offend 
their friends. The idea was utterly irreconcil¬ 
able with their own savage methods of wilder¬ 
ness warfare. It perplexed them and aroused 
their suspicions. They withdrew from the 
vicinity of the fort, and assembled in angry 
council about their fire., 

In the meantime General Braddock had 
assembled his officers to discuss the emergency. 
Jim, Croghan and Kichkinet were invited to 
attend. General Braddock and a number of the 
English officers were inclined to consider the 
disaffection of the Oneidas as of slight impor¬ 
tance. Colonel Washington and most of the 
provincial officers, however, spoke forcibly in 
favor of retaining the friendship and allegiance 
of those powerful allies. 

136 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


“Gentlemen, I fear that some of ns may not 
realize the perilous possibilities of this unfor¬ 
tunate situation,” Jim told them. “The loss of 
this small force of Oneidas may not greatly 
impair the strength and efficiency of the expedi¬ 
tion against Duquesne, although for my own 
part I believe their assistance would be invalu¬ 
able. However, there is a far more serious 
possibility to be considered. As you are aware, 
the Oneidas are a strong and influential tribe 
of the great Iroquois Confederation. The 
powerful nations of that great league have been 
of inestimable service in protecting the settle¬ 
ments along our northern frontiers. They have 
stood like a mighty bulwark against the French 
and their Indian allies. Our enemies have 
made tireless and desperate efforts to turn 
these tribes against us. But a year since, I 
saw such an attempt made upon the Mohawks, 
at Caughnawaga. Fortunately it was frus¬ 
trated. Now that great tribe has formed an 
alliance with Colonel Johnson and the troops 
of the colonies. 

“Gentlemen, if we refuse the assistance of 
these Oneidas, and permit them to depart from 
us in anger, I fear w r e shall soon find cause for 
regret. Few of us understand the ways of the 
Indians, and still fewer Indians understand 

137 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


our ways. For that reason the slightest inci¬ 
dent may lead to serious consequences. Per¬ 
haps this little company of offended Oneidas 
may exert an influence that will turn the other 
tribes of the League against us, and leave our 
northern settlements helplessly exposed to the 
devastating raids of our enemies. 

“We are about to meet a powerful foe whose 
forces are largely composed of hardy Canadian 
voyageurs and Indians from the northern for¬ 
ests. They are skillful and crafty adversaries, 
accustomed to a life of hardship and peril, and 
particularly fitted for the savage methods of 
wilderness warfare. It is a style of fighting 
with which your English troops are entirely 
unacquainted. Some of the border troops of 
the provinces are familiar with its difficulties 
and perils. Our Indians, however, are well 
trained and expert in such methods of fighting, 
and I repeat my belief that they will render 
efficient and invaluable assistance in our efforts 
to drive the French from our domains. There¬ 
fore, gentlemen, I beg that you will consider 
carefully before you arouse the distrust and 
animosity of the Oneidas and their tribesmen.’’ 

Jim made a strong and favorable impression 
upon his audience. His solemn warning carried 
conviction. He was instructed by General Brad- 

138 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


dock to go to the Oneidas, with Croghan and 
Kichkinet, and attempt to allay their anger and 
persuade them to remain with the troops. 

Jim found the Oneidas sitting gloomily about 
their fire. They showed little interest as the 
white men approached. Croghan spoke to 
Broken Pace, and, as the latter nodded, the 
three scouts seated themselves in the council 
circle. Jim had been appointed to act as spokes¬ 
man, hut *he awaited the signal from Croghan, 
who had cautioned him to wait until the Onei¬ 
das were in a mood to listen. For some time 
they sat in silence, while the Oneidas passed 
several pipes from one to the other, hut failed 
to offer them to the white men. It was a signifi¬ 
cant clew to their feelings. Then Croghan 
began to talk earnestly to Broken Face. The 
Oneida appeared cold and indifferent. How¬ 
ever, when the trader finished speaking, Broken 
Face addressed his warriors. They talked 
quietly among themselves. Then one of them 
replied to Broken Face. A moment afterward 
the Oneida turned to Jim. 

“Your brother says you have brought us the 
words of the white chief,” he said, shortly. 
“We will listen.” 

Croghan nodded approval. Jim rose to 
address the council. 


139 




* 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“My friends, I do not speak your tongue, 
but your brother, Broken Face, will give you 
my words,” he said. “I am the son of Achawi, 
who was the friend of your brothers, the Mo¬ 
hawks. I believe some of you knew him. If 
you knew him, then you know that what he told 
you was true.) The Mohawks are my brothers. 
I have lived in their lodges. I have smoked 
the peace pipe with those great people. I have 
talked at their councils. They have called me 
Achawi, he-who-settles-disputes. I have tried 
to help them. Now I wish to help you. I come 
before you with a good heart. I wish your peo¬ 
ple and my people to be friends. 

“I have brought you the words of the white 
chief. He says his heart is good toward you. 
He says the Oneidas are very brave. He says 
you must go with him to fight the French. My 
friends, do not think about those foolish Potta- 
wattomies. The white chief wishes to keep 
them so that he can fool the French. You are 
great warriors. You know it is the only thing 
to do. Oneidas, listen sharp to my words. 
Your brothers, the Mohawks, have sent the 
wampum belt to our people. They will send 
many warriors to help us. If you will help us 
we will drive away the French and their Indians 
and your people will live at peace. My people 

140 




AN AWKWARD SITUATION 


are your friends. There will be no one to 
trouble you. You have come here to fight. Will 
you go back to your village like angry children? 
Come, Oneidas, you are men. Show my people 
that you have good hearts. I am Achawi, he- 
who-settles-disputes. Let it be so. Let me carry 
your words to the white chief. He is waiting.’’ 

Jim finished speaking, and waited anxiously 
for the reply from the Oneidas. They were 
talking excitedly, but their stern, impassive 
faces gave no clew to their thoughts. Both 
Croghan and Kichkinet, however, appeared 
hopeful. At last Broken Face announced the 
decision. 

“Achawi, we will listen to your words,” he 
said. “We wdll do what we have set out to do. 
We will go with your brothers to fight their 
enemies.” 

“My friends, you are very brave,” Jim told 
him. “I will carry your words to the white 
chief. ’ ’ 

“Well, son, that’s what I call a real good 
job,” Croghan said, admiringly, as they has¬ 
tened toward the fort. 


141 




CHAPTER X 


A GLOOMY PROPHECY 

A NOTHER week passed while General 
Braddock lingered at Fort Cumberland to 
complete his preparations for the advance 
against Fort Duquesne. He expected additional 
supplies and equipment from Alexandria, and 
was unwilling to begin his march until they 
came. In the meantime he sent a large force of 
axmen into the wilderness to improve and 
extend the road which the militiamen had be¬ 
gun the previous year. He kept his officers 
busily engaged in drilling the troops, and main¬ 
tained a strict discipline that greatly exasper¬ 
ated the provincials and frontiersmen. Twice 
each day the troops were assembled in the clear¬ 
ing before the fort for a formal and tedious 
parade and inspection. 

“Such business is all nonsense,” declared 
Tom Dale. “Marchin’, an’ shoulderin’ mus¬ 
kets, and salutin’ is well enough for play, but 
we’re out for fightin’, an’ the sooner we get at 
it the quicker it ’ll be over. ’ ’ 

142 


A GLOOMY PROPHECY 


i 


Then another small baggage train with 
supplies arrived, and two days later General 
Braddock issued orders to begin the long, peri¬ 
lous march to the French fort. The troops 
cheered wildly at the news. The thought of 
escaping from the monotonous routine at the 
fort, and going into action, tilled them with 
enthusiasm. 

“Hurrah, we’re off at last!” cried Tom Dale. 

“I shall be glad to go,” Jim told him. 

“You bet,” Clayborne said, heartily. 

At daylight the buglers sounded the assem¬ 
bly, and the camp was instantly astir. A hasty 
meal was served about the fires, and then the 
tents were taken down and loaded into the 
wagons; the horses were assembled and har¬ 
nessed; and the troops were mustered for a 
final review. An hour later they marched away 
with bands playing and flags fluttering in the 
breeze. All were in high spirits, for they felt 
confident that they would easily overcome the 
French and capture Fort Duquesne. A little 
company of dejected militiamen remained at 
the fort, and cheered loyally as their more 
fortunate comrades disappeared into the forest. 

It was an imposing spectacle. The scouts 
and Oneidas led the way. A company of axmen 
came after them to clear the road. Behind 

143 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


them rode a troop of Virginia cavalry. They 
were followed by General Braddock and a regi¬ 
ment of English regulars. Then came the ar¬ 
tillery, most of the provincial militia, and the 
long line of wagons and pack horses. A regi¬ 
ment of English troops and several companies 
of provincials formed the rear guard. 

Th.e entire force numbered more than two 
thousand troops, several hundred teamsters and 
helpers, about six hundred horses and more 
than a hundred baggage wagons. The latter 
were known as Conestoga wagons, and had 
been designed by the pioneers of Pennsylvania 
for the transportation of freight over the rough 
mountainous roads of the province. They were 
long, low, four wdieeled vehicles, high at front 
and rear, and with a peculiar boatlike form 
which prevented the cargo from sliding on steep 
grades. They were provided with high gayly 
painted sides, and were arched over with six 
or eight bent saplings, over which was stretched 
a strong white hempen cover for protection 
against the weather. Each wagon had a car¬ 
rying capacity of several tons, and was drawn 
by four powerful horses. The driver rode one 
of the wheel horses. 

The road was rough and narrow, and the 
advance was slow and toilsome. Long delays 

144 





A GLOOMY PROPHECY 


were frequent, wifile men and horses labored 
desperately to raise the heavy cannons over the 
bowlders, or free a baggage wagon that had 
mired in a bog hole. The dense forest shut out 
the breeze, and the men suffered greatly from 
the heat, and the swarms of flies and mosquitoes 
that were attracted by the sweating horses. 
When General Braddock ordered a halt at the 
end of the day, they were less than two leagues 
from Fort Cumberland. 

“It’s slow goin’,” declared Tom Dale. 

“Too slow,” agreed Clayborne. “At this 
rate it will take us all summer to reach Du- 
quesne. ’ ’ 

Jim and Kichkinet soon left them, and went 
to join Croghan and the Oneidas. They were 
seated about their fire, some distance in ad¬ 
vance of the troops. They appeared gloomy and 
depressed, and Jim wondered if the unpleas¬ 
ant incident at the fort still lingered in their 
minds.i Jim and Kichkinet seated themselves 
in the circle, and were invited to partake of the 
pipes which were being passed. Aware that 
a refusal would give offense, Jim accepted the 
pipe and drew lightly upon it. Then he gave it 
to Kichkinet. 

“Did you see any signs?” Croghan asked 

him. 


145 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


‘ 4 No, ’’ Jim told him. ‘‘ Did yon !’ 9 

“Some of the Oneidas found fresh moccasin 
tracks about a spring hole,” said Croghan. “I 
shouldn’t wonder if some of the French Injuns 
are keepin’ watch on us.” 

“Do you believe they would venture so near 
the fort!” inquired Jim. 

“You caught some of ’em as near as this,” 
laughed Croghan. 

“Yes; but I scarcely believe there are any 
more.” 

“You never can tell,” declared the trader. 
“Maybe they’ve come scoutin’ down here to 
find out what has happened to their friends.” 

“Yes, that may be so,” agreed Jim. 

The Oneidas had killed a fat yearling buck, 
and they were broiling the meat over the fire. 
Jim and Kichkinet were invited to partake of 
the feast. While they were eating, Broken 
Face, the Oneida war leader, seated himself 
beside them. 

“My brothers, something bad has happened,” 
he said, soberly. 

Jim looked uneasily at Croghan. The trader 
frowned and nodded his head. 

“To-day we saw the great war bird,” contin¬ 
ued Broken Face. “He was flying high up in 
the sky. Pretty soon he saw us, and came 

146 




A GLOOMY PROPHECY 


lower. Then he circled around ns, and began 
to make a great noise. It was not the war cry. 
It sounded like women screaming. He made 
that noise many times. Then he flew away to¬ 
ward our lodges.’’ 

Broken Face ceased speaking, and stared 
gloomily at the fire. Jim and Croghan ex¬ 
changed glances, as they waited for the Oneida 
to resume his story. 

“It is had,” he said, finally. “The great 
war bird is the friend of my people. He tells 
us when to go to war. He tells us where to 
find our enemies. He warns us of danger. Now 
I believe something bad is going to happen to 
us. He has made the sound of women crying. 
He has gone toward our lodges. I believe he 
was trying to make us turn back. I do not 
know what to make of it, but I believe it is a 
bad sign. My brothers are troubled about it. 
They say: 4 Perhaps our people are in danger. 
The war bird has warned us. We must listen.’ 
Many of them wish to return to their lodges. 
Now, my brothers, I have told you about this 
thing. You must watch out, for I believe some¬ 
thing bad will come of it.” 

Jim and the trader kept silent. Both had 
lived long enough with the Indians to know that 
it w T ould be folly to attempt to dissuade them 

147 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


from their superstitions. They realized, how¬ 
ever, that another troublesome dilemma was 
at hand. While they were thinking about it, 
Broken Face left them and rejoined his com¬ 
panions. 

“Kichkinet, what do you make of it?” Jim 
asked, anxiously. 

“It is a bad sign,” declared the Mohawk. 

Croghan shook his head, and smiled. 


I 





CHAPTER XI 


SCOUTING 

D AY after day the troops toiled slowly 
through the wilderness on their long 
journey to Fort Duquesne. It was exhausting, 
heartbreaking work for both men and horses. 
Once at the end of the rough wood road that 
had been prepared by the militiamen at Fort 
Cumberland, they were forced to hew their way 
through the virgin forest. The route extended 
through a rugged mountainous country that 
presented many difficulties. They bridged 
streams, dug great bowlders from the roadway, 
cut and dragged aside fallen trees, tilled bog 
holes, floundered through treacherous swamps, 
and assisted the teams in dragging the cannons 
and baggage wagons over the steep, rock-strewn 
ridges. The heat was intense, and great 
swarms of flies and mosquitoes added to the 
misery. The troops, however, both English 
regulars and provincial militiamen, labored 
without complaint. The former had begun to 
realize that campaigning through the trackless 

149 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


forests of America was a far more serious un¬ 
dertaking than they had anticipated. 

A w^eek p.assed before they finally reached a 
broad open clearing in which stood a deserted 
cabin. The spot was known as the Little Mead¬ 
ows, and was less than ten leagues from Fort 
Cumberland. General Braddock immediately 
ordered a halt. Many of the horses were ut¬ 
terly worn out, and sickness and fever had ap¬ 
peared among officers and men. Colonel Wash¬ 
ington was so ill and weak that he could barely 
sit in the saddle. Food was getting low, and 
there was little forage for the horses. Many 
of the cannons and baggage wagons required 
repairs. 

“We appear to be pretty well smashed up,” 
Tom Dale declared, dejectedly. 

“Yes; and the worst of it is that we have 
barely begun our journey,” said Clayborne. 

Jim kept silent. He knew little of the art 
of moving armies, and he believed that his 
opinion would be of slight value. Besides, he 
felt certain that both officers and men were do¬ 
ing their best under the trying circumstances. 
However, the sickness among the troops and 
the collapse of many of the horses filled him 
with misgivings. The solemn warning of 
Broken Face, the Oneida war leader, kept pass- 

150 




SCOUTING 


ing through his mind. That night as he and 
Kichkinet made their beds of spruce houghs 
and lay down to sleep, the Mohawk suddenly 
expressed the fears which were disturbing Jim. 

“Achawi, I am thinking about the words of 
Broken Face,” he said, soberly. “It is bad.” 

Boused to desperation by the difficulties of 
his march, and the slowness of the advance, 
General Braddock assembled his officers for a 
council. All advised speed, and warned of the 
peril of delay, but speed seemed impossible. 
Then Colonel Washington proposed that the 
force be divided; leaving the cumbersome bag¬ 
gage train, most of the artillery, and the inca¬ 
pacitated troops to follow, while General Brad- 
dock pushed forward with the able troops, a few 
cannons and baggage wagons, and a large string 
of pack animals. The other officers approved 
the plan, and General Braddock accepted it. 

The following day the force was separated 
into two commands, and the rearguard division 
was left in charge of Colonel Dunbar. Gen¬ 
eral Braddock with about twelve hundred men, 
and their officers, a small company of teamsters 
and woodsmen, the Oneidas, a number of can¬ 
nons, thirty baggage wagons, and a large string 
of pack horses, resumed the toilsome march 
through the forest. Forty leagues of unbroken 

151 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


wilderness lay before them. Slowly, doggedly, 
they toiled onward through the silent solitudes; 
passing along heavily timbered valleys, ford¬ 
ing innumerable streams, climbing laboriously 
over the ridges, and at night dropping ex¬ 
hausted beside their crackling camp-fires. It 
was several weeks before they finally drew near 
their goal. 

Then, at the end of a stifling July day, they 
arrived at Turtle Creek, a stream that joined 
the Monongahela River about three leagues 
from Fort Duquesne. General Braddock or¬ 
dered a halt, and the tired troops prepared 
their bivouac for the night.. As they were 
within close proximity to their enemies, they 
were cautioned against lighting the evening 
fires. When darkness settled upon the wilder¬ 
ness, the men sat close together, talking in cau¬ 
tious tones. The camp was surrounded with 
sentries, and the horses were strongly guarded 
against the possibility of a raid by hostile 
Indians. 

“Well, Mohawk, we are close upon our ene¬ 
mies,” Jim told Kichkinet. 

“It is good,” replied the Mohawk. 

At daylight General Braddock ordered his 
scouts to reconnoiter toward the French fort. 
Jim, Kichkinet, Tom Dale and Clayborne were 

152 




SCOUTING 


chosen for the perilous mission. Led by Dale, 
who was familiar with the country, they went a 
considerable distance along the river, and then 
turned sharply toward the east. 

“Thar’s a clearin’ a short ways ahead,” he 
said. “Thar’s also an old cabin on it that was 
built by Fraser, the trader. A good trail runs 
from Fraser’s place clear to the fort. How¬ 
ever, we’ll not dare to follow it that far.” 

Within a short time they came in sight of the 
clearing. It was choked with a rank growth 
of weeds and saplings, and the low log cabin 
showed signs of decay. Dale stopped at the 
edge of the woods. 

“Thar’s no tellin’ who may be holed up in 
that old shanty; we’d best watch awhile,” he 
cautioned. 

They stood well within the timber and looked 
anxiously about the clearing. It was a lonely, 
isolated spot, closed in by a dense wall of forest 
and surrounded by low, heavily timbered hills. 
It appeared deserted and lifeless. Still, they 
determined to take precautions. 

“Waitin’ is better than runnin’,” declared 
Tom Dale. 

“Yes, yes,” laughed Clayborne. 

They watched a long time, but saw nothing to 
arouse their suspicions. However, as they 

153 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


were about to move cautiously along the edge 
of the woods, Kichkinet touched Jim’s arm. 

“Something is moving over there,” he said, 
softly, as he pointed toward the other side of 
the clearing. 

A moment afterward they saw the bushes 
tremble, and a brown form passed through the 
shadows. Another followed, and then a third. 
The scouts watched sharply. 

“They may be deer,” whispered Clayborne. 

“You can’t tell; they’re just as likely to be 
Injuns,” said Dale. 

At that instant a cow elk and two calves ap¬ 
peared at the edge of the woods. The cow 
stood, with raised head, sniffing the breeze. 
The two long legged calves crowded behind her. 
In a few moments one of the calves ventured 
unsteadily into the open, but the cow quickly 
turned it back into the shadows. Then she 
again raised her nose into the wind. A mo¬ 
ment afterward she thrust forward her great 
ears, and looked suspiciously across the clear¬ 
ing. 

“She’s winded us,” said Dale. “Yes; thar 
they go.” 

Having scented danger, the elk and her calves 
retreated into the woods. For an instant only 
she stopped in the shadows to glance nervously 

154 




SCOUTING 


over her shoulder, and then she disappeared. 

“We all better move on,” said Dale. “I’d 
sort of like to have a peep into that old cabin, 
just to make sure that no one is livin’ thar. 
However, I consider it risky to show ourselves 
in the open.” 

“Let the Mohawk go,” proposed Jim. “If 
he is seen he probably will be mistaken for one 
of the French Indians.” 

“That’s a good idee,” agreed Dale. “Mo¬ 
hawk, go over thar an’ look inside of the 
cabin.” 

Kichkinet nodded, and started away. 

“Wait,” cautioned Dale. “Don’t come back 
here. That might look bad. We’ll move along 
the edge of the woods and meet you on the other 
side of the clearin’.” 

“It is good,” said Kichkinet. 

He left them and advanced toward the de¬ 
serted cabin. They watched anxiously as he 
approached it. As he drew near the house, 
Kichkinet took several arrows from his quiver. 
Then he walked directly toward the open door. 
He was almost at the cabin when the sharp 
bark of a fox sounded from the side of a low 
ridge to the eastward. Kichkinet stopped and 
appeared to be listening. 

“What’s up?” Tom Dale inquired, uneasily. 

155 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


“Perhaps the Mohawk mistrusts the call,” 
said Jim. 

“It may be a signal,’’ suggested Clayborne. 

They waited in suspense until they again 
heard the sharp barking on the side of the 
ridge. Tom Dale shook his head. 

“It shore sounds natural, but I don’t like it,” 
he declared. “It’s the wrong season, an’ the 
wrong time of day for foxes to bark.” 

“That is true,” agreed Jim. “I fear it is 
a signal.” 

In the meantime Kichkinet had advanced to 
the cabin. He looked in at the open door¬ 
way. 

At that instant the fox call again sounded 
from the ridge. This time Kichkinet replied 
to the signal. Three times he repeated the call. 
Then he faced the hillside, and raised his bow 
above his head. A moment afterward he turned 
toward the woods. 

“The Mohawk is sharp,” chuckled Clay¬ 
borne- “He has fooled whoever is on that 
ridge. ’ ’ 

“Maybe so, an’ maybe not,” said Dale. 
“Anyway, the sooner w T e get away from here 
the better it will be for us.” 

They moved rapidly along the edge of the 
woods until they met Kichkinet. 

156 






SCOUTING 


“Moliawk, what do you make of it?” Jim 
asked him. 

‘ ‘ Bad, ’ ’ said Kichkinet. ‘ ‘ Scouts are on that 
hill. They saw me. Then they made that 
noise to find out about me. Perhaps I fooled 
them. I cannot tell about it. I believe we are 
in danger. We must watch out.” 

“What did you find at the cabin?” inquired 
Dale. 

“It is empty,” replied Kichkinet. “No one 
is living there.” 

For some moments Dale remained silent. He 
looked thoughtfully toward the ridge upon 
which they had heard the signal. His compan¬ 
ions waited to learn his plans. 

“Well, lads, it would he folly to follow the 
old road,” he said, finally. “We’ll climb to the 
top of that other ridge, an’ move along until 
we come in sight of the fort.” 

“It is the best thing to do,” agreed Kich¬ 
kinet., “Perhaps those scouts will come down 
here to find out about this thing.” 

“I shouldn’t wonder,” Dale told him. 

They made their way to the top of a low ridge 
that extended parallel with the road from the 
deserted cabin to the French fort. Once above 
the clearing, they obtained a splendid view of 
the surrounding country. A wild and fascina- 

157 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


ting panorama lay before them. Below was 
the dark, brooding valley along which the road 
extended to Fort Duquesne. Beyond were sev¬ 
eral low, nndnlating pine clad ridges. Some 
distance farther west the Monongahela blazed 
its silvery trail through the somber shadows of 
the forest. Still farther away a misty range 
of jagged peaks rose majestically against the 
sky. Valleys, hills and mountains were held in 
the grip of the vast primeval wilderness. 

“It certainly is a desolate country,’’ declared 
Clayborne. “Nothing but woods, and moun¬ 
tains, and Indians.” 

“It is splendid,” Jim told him. 

“Well, thar’s no time for lookin’ around,” 
Dale reminded them. “I’m a bit uneasy about 
those calls on the ridge. I believe we’d best 
keep movin’.” 

They traveled slowly along the top of the 
ridge, watching and listening for signs of their 
foes. Shortly before midday they came in 
sight of the French fort. Dale halted, and 
pointed into the valley. 

“Thar she is,” he said. “A nice location, 
an’ mighty hard to get at.” 

They looked eagerly upon the goal toward 
which they had been toiling for long wearisome 
weeks. A broad clearing had been made in the 

158 




SCOUTING 


forest, and the French fort was in the center. 
Two large rivers, the Monongahela and the Al¬ 
leghany, flowed on either side of it. It was pro¬ 
tected on two sides by a high log stockade, and 
on the other sides by strong ramparts of earth 
and bowlders. A number of buildings were 
grouped about the fort, and beyond the forti¬ 
fications there were many bark huts. Close to 
the edge of the woods there appeared to be a 
great encampment of Indians. 

The scouts were astonished at the strength 
of the garrison. There appeared to be many 
more troops than they had expected to find. 
Several companies of soldiers were marching 
on the open meadow before the fort. Men were 
moving about inside of the stockade. More 
men were gathered about the bark huts. A 
large force of Indians was assembled in their 
camp. It was apparent that the garrison had 
been strongly re-inforced while General Brad- 
dock and his troops were making their tedious 
march through the wilderness. 

4 4 Our delay may prove costly,” Clayborne 
said, seriously. “I believe the French force is 
of equal strength with our own. ’ ’ 

“ Thar’s more troops than I expected to see,” 
said Dale. 

They remained on the ridge for several hours 

159 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


to watch the activity at the French fort. Then 
they set out to rejoin the troops at Turtle 
Creek. 

“Achawi, there are many warriors in that 
camp,” declared Kichkinet. i ‘I believe it will 
be a great fight. ’ ’ 

“General Braddock will soon drive them 
out,” Jim replied, cpnfidently.. 

They were almost at the abandoned clearing 
when they suddenly heard voices directly ahead 
of them. For an instant they stopped in dis¬ 
may. Their foes were almost upon them, and 
discovery seemed certain. Then Jim pointed 
to a dense mass of fallen tree tops. They hur¬ 
ried noiselessly toward the shelter, and con¬ 
cealed themselves in the intricate tangle. 

“It’s a bad hidin’ place,” whispered Dale. 
“If they’re suspicious they’ll be likely to look 
into such places.” 

“If they find us—” began Clayborne. 

“Sh,” cautioned Jim. 

A careless footfall had snapped a brittle 
twig, and the sound proclaimed the approach 
of their foes. The scouts peered eagerly from 
their hiding place and saw four stalwart war¬ 
riors advancing through the forest. They were 
within easy bowshot, and Kichkinet quickly 
recognized them. 


160 




SCOUTING 


“Hurons,” he whispered. 

“Let them pass,” cautioned Dale. 

The Hurons were talking, and appeared en¬ 
tirely unsuspicious. Dale and his companions 
watched them in breathless suspense. Would 
they pass without noticing the hiding place? 
They were directly in front of it. Then one 
of the Hurons suddenly turned his head, and 
noted the tangle of tree tops. He stopped and 
called to his comrades. 

“They’ve got us,” whispered Clayborne. 

Kichkinet drew an arrow from his quiver. 
Jim seized his arm. Dale scowled. 

“Don’t move,” he cautioned. 

The Hurons were talking and looking sharply 
at the hiding place. The four anxious scouts 
remained motionless, scarcely daring to breathe 
lest they might betray themselves to their 
enemies. Several perilous moments passed. 
Then the Hurons turned away, and disappeared 
among the trees. 

It was some time before the scouts ventured 
to speak. 

“A close call,” Dale whispered, finally. 

They remained in hiding a long time, fearful 
that the Hurons might be watching from cover. 
At last, however, they crawled from their hid¬ 
ing place and hurried away. 

• 161 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


61 Those are the bucks who saw the Mohawk,’’ 
declared Dale. 

“Yes, I believe so,” agreed Jim. 

Kichkinet nodded.* 

‘ ‘ I am wondering how much more they saw, ’ ’ 
said Clayborne. “Perhaps they have dis¬ 
covered our troops.” 

“Bless me, I hope not,” Dale replied, un¬ 
easily. “That would be a fix.” 

The possibility filled them with alarm. They 
feared that if the French learned of the close 
proximity of General Braddock and his troops, 
they would take measures to impede and im¬ 
peril his advance upon the fort. 

“If those Hurons have seen our troops, w T e 
shall have a big job on our hands,” said Clay- 
borne. “The French might easily block the 
road to the fort, and send out a strong force 
of Canadians and Indians to catch us in a 
trap.” 

“Nothin’ easier, if they know about us,” 
agreed Dale. “I don’t like the idea of those 
Injuns travelin’ through the woods instead of 
along the road. It looks suspicious.” 

“Perhaps they were hunting,” suggested 
Jim. 

“Yes; that’s possible, of course, but somehow 
I don’t believe it,” Dale told him. 

162 




SCOUTING 


U I believe they are scouts/’ said Kichkinet. 
“Mohawk, that’s how it strikes me,” replied 
Dale. “Well, lads, we’ll hurry along an’ tell 
General Braddock what we’ve seen.” 




CHAPTER XII 


AN AMBUSH 

G ENERAL Braddock learned from Tom 
Bale that a direct advance along the east 
side of the river would lead through a difficult 
stretch of wilderness, and a long, narrow defile 
which offered a splendid opportunity for an 
ambush. He determined to avoid the peril by 
crossing the river, and, once past the danger, 
recrossing to follow the road to the French 
fort. He showed little interest in the four 
Hurons whom the scouts had encountered near 
the deserted cabin. He called them roving vag¬ 
abonds, whom his troops would soon put to 
flight. His reckless confidence filled Tom Bale 
with gloomy misgivings. 

“Boys, I fear the General is foolin' himself 
about the Injuns an* Canadians/’ he told his 
companions. “He seems to believe that both 
of ’em will run like deer at sight of his red¬ 
coats. Maybe so, but I doubt it.” 

“I also doubt it,” said Jim. 

“The Hurons are brave,” declared Kichki- 

164 


AN AMBUSH 


net. “My people have fought many battles 
with them. I have heard my father tell about 
them.” 

Dale nodded confirmation. 

“They’re sharp, as well as brave,” he said. 
“I believe the English troops have plenty of 
courage, an’ are as willin’ an’ eager to fight as 
our boys from the provinces, but they don’t 
understand wilderness ways. If the Injuns an’ 
Canadians suddenly come screechin’ through 
the woods, I’m wonderin’ what will happen? 
I’ve fought both of ’em, an’ I know they’re a 
bad lot to handle.” 

“The Virginians know it, too,” said Clay- 
borne- 

“ Yes; they know it, an’ I believe the regulars 
will know it before we’re through with this 
job,” Dale replied, soberly. 

The troops were in high spirits at the thought 
of going into battle on the following day. All 
were confident of success. They had little 
doubt that they would speedily rout the French 
and capture the fort. The Virginians antici¬ 
pated a stiff fight with the Canadians and In¬ 
dians, but they, too, felt certain that the artil¬ 
lery and the regulars would soon overcome 
them. 

“We shall sleep in the French fort to-mor- 

165 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


row night, ” an English officer declared, con¬ 
fidently. 

At daylight the men were roused from their 
blankets, and an hour later they forded the 
river. Then they advanced slowly through the 
woods until they passed the perilous ravine of 
which Dale had given warning. When they 
came to another suitable fording place, General 
Braddock ordered a halt. 

It seemed probable that if the French had 
been warned they would attempt to oppose 
them at that spot. As a precaution, therefore, 
the scouts, the Oneidas and two companies of 
militia in command of Colonel Gage, were sent 
across the river as an advance guard. They 
forded safely, and landed without opposition. 
The scouts made a careful reconnaissance in the 
vicinity, but failed to find signs of the 
enemy. 

“It looks good,” declared Clayborne. “It 
is evident that the French know nothing of our 
approach. ’’ 

“I am not so sure of that,” replied Dale. 

“Well, Tom, if they know about us, this is 
where they should make their stand,” declared 
Clayborne. 

‘ ‘ Dick, you an * the French may hold different 
idees about that,” laughed Dale. “We have a 

166 




AN AMBUSH 


long ways ahead of ns before we reach the fort, 
an’ they’ve plenty of time for playin’ their 
tricks. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Then you do expect them to attack us, ’ ’ said 
Clayborne. 

“I believe we’ll smell powder before we come 
in sight of Duquesne,” Dale told him. 

They turned to watch the troops fording the 
river. Led by the Virginia cavalrymen, the 
regulars and militiamen waded gayly through 
the water, laughing and singing, and confident 
of an easy victory at Fort Duquesne. Behind 
them followed the artillery, the lumbering bag¬ 
gage train and the pack horses. General Brad- 
dock and his aides closed the rear. The cross¬ 
ing was made without mishap, and the entire 
force was assembled at the edge of the forest 
along the east side of the river. 

After a short delay, the scouts and the Onei- 
das were sent ahead to reconnoiter, and a few 
moments later the troops followed them into the 
forest. They advanc, in two divisions; the 
first being composed of the cavalry, a company 
of axmen, a strong force of English regulars 
and provincial militiamen commanded by Colo¬ 
nel Gage, three cannons, three tool w T agons, 
and several companies of regulars and militia¬ 
men to close the rear. Close behind followed 

167 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


the main division, commanded by General 
Braddock, consisting of regulars and militia¬ 
men, the balance of the artillery, the baggage 
train, and the pack horses. Flanking parties 
made their way through the forest on both sides 
of the column. 

The Oneidas deployed through the woods in 
search of their foes, while the scouts advanced 
cautiously along the road to Fort Duquesne. 
Jim was silent and thoughtful.. He realized 
that the war with the French had actually be¬ 
gun, and he was about to engage in deadly com¬ 
bat with his enemies. Although he was with¬ 
out fear, the thought of going forth to fight and 
kill sobered him. However, as a loyal subject 
of the British King, he believed that it was his 
duty to do his share in driving out the defiant 
foes who had invaded the English domains. He 
felt certain that it was what his father would 
have wished him to do, and the thought gave 
him enthusiasm. His companions appeared 
equally inspired. All of them were familiar 
with the savage methods of guerilla warfare 
which the French and their Indian allies had 
waged along the English frontiers, and they 
were ready and eager to assist in overcoming 
the peril. Jim wondered how the Mohawk felt 
about it. 


168 




AN AMBUSH 


i 6 Kichkinet, how do you feel about this 
thing V 9 he inquired. 

“Achawi, you are my brother,’’ replied the 
Mohawk. “You have helped me to do big 
things. You have saved my life. Now you 
have come here to help your people. It is good. 
I am a Mohawk. When my brother goes out to 
fight, I will go with him. That is all I know 
about it. It is enough.” 

“Kichkinet, you are a true and loyal friend,” 
Jim said, warmly. “I shall remember your 
words.” 

They had passed through a wide, bushy ra¬ 
vine, and were advancing into the gloomy 
depths of a vast pine forest, when a piercing 
yell rang through the woods. They stopped 
and turned to one another in alarm. Then the 
cry was repeated on both sides of them. 

“Watch out; we’re in for it,” cried Dale. 

“It is the Oneidas,” said Kichkinet. “They 
have found our enemies.” 

“We must warn the troops,” declared Jim. 

“Fall back,” said Dale. 

At that moment a wild bedlam of shouts and 
yells sounded through the wilderness, and they 
saw the Oneidas running toward them. Then 
heavy volleys of musketry rattled through the 
woods, and the Oneidas sprang behind trees 

169 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


and began to shoot at their foes. Bullets 
whined ominously over the road, and Bob Car- 
roll suddenly spun about on his heels and fell 
lifeless beside his companions. Bale and Clay- 
borne seized him and carried him away. Jim 
and Kichkinet rushed along the road to warn 
the troops. 

“They have been caught!” Jim cried, des¬ 
pairingly. 

The troops had been surprised as they en¬ 
tered the ravine, and the fierce and sudden at¬ 
tack had thrown them into disorder. Exposed 
to the deadly fire of their unseen foes, for the 
moment they appeared to be confused and help¬ 
less. The Virginia calvarymen attempted to 
ride their frightened horses into the woods, but 
they met a terrific rifle fire that soon turned 
them back. Many were killed in the hopeless 
charge, and the riderless horses galloped wildly 
among the troops and added to the confusion 
and peril. The English officers formed their 
men in line of battle, and attempted to advance 
into the timber. They rushed forward, cheer¬ 
ing bravely, but the wily enemy scattered 
through the woods like a covey of frightened 
quail. Unfamiliar with that crafty method of 
Indian warfare, the English troops halted in 
bewilderment. At that instant the Indians and 

170 





f 


AN AMBUSH 


Canadians rallied and surrounded their foes. 
Fighting from cover, they soon confused and 
completely demoralized the English regulars. 
The latter gave way, and retreated to the road 
with heavy loss. 

In the meantime the artillerymen had unlim¬ 
bered the cannons, and were shooting into the 
timber. For some moments the enemy was 
thrown into confusion by the roar of the guns 
and the shot crashing through the limbs of the 
trees. They soon rallied, however, and again 
advanced to the attack. The Virginians alone 
were able to cope with them. Quick to realize 
the folly of attempting to fight in the open, 
they broke ranks and took shelter in the timber. 
Then, fighting from cover, they made heroic 
efforts to drive off their foes and rescue the 
troops from their perilous predicament. The 
attempt was useless, for the Indians and Can¬ 
adians swarmed about them like angry hor¬ 
nets, and made the road a death trap from 
which there appeared to be little chance of 
escape. 

Jim and Kichkinet soon found themselves in 
the thick of the fight. Unable to persuade the 
English officers to lead their men to cover, Jim 
finally joined the Virginians at the edge of the 
timber. The Oneidas, too, having retreated 

171 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


along the side of the road, were now fighting 
their enemies with the sly, cautious methods of 
Indian warfare. Their excited whoops rose 
defiantly above the din of battle, and Kichki- 
net thrilled at the sound. 

“ Listen, Achawi, it is the war cry of my 
people,” he cried, enthusiastically. 

The English troops and most of the provin¬ 
cial militiamen crowded together in the open 
road. It was a hopeless position. Exposed to 
a destructive fire, the bewildered men looked 
vainly through the smoke for a sight of the foes 
who threatened them with destruction. Their 
enemies, however, were cleverly concealed at 
the edge of the woods, and it was impossible to 
discover them. 

“Oh, what folly,” Jim cried, disconsolately. 
“Unless our men seek shelter they will be des¬ 
troyed before sunset.” 

“It is bad ,’ 9 declared Kichkinet. 1 ‘ The white 
chief is foolish to keep his warriors standing 
out there in the open.” 

Then, above the sharp rattle of musketry, 
and the louder roar of the cannons, they heard 
the shrill notes of a bugle, and they realized 
that General Braddock and the main bodv of 
troops had arrived. For a moment Jim took 
hope. He believed that the reinforcements 

172 




'AN AMBUSH 


might turn the tide of battle, and gain the vic¬ 
tory for the English. 

“Hurrah! General Braddock has arrived,” 
he cried, joyously. “Now we shall soon over¬ 
come our foes.” 

At that moment the troops in the road began 
to give way. Stunned and demoralized by the 
devastating fire and unfamiliar tactics of their 
foes, they sought to escape from the peril. Un¬ 
mindful of the commands and threats of their 
officers, they retreated wildly down the road 
and attempted to find shelter among the troops 
who had come to help them. The panic quickly 
spread, and in a short time the entire command 
was thrown into wild disorder. The men hud¬ 
dled together in dense masses, helpless targets 
for the rifles of their merciless foes. Some of 
the militiamen, and a few English regulars 
made their way to the edge of the woods and at¬ 
tempted to fight from cover. General Braddock, 
however, unfamiliar with the methods of Indian 
warfare, and mistaking the action for coward¬ 
ice, drove them hack and forced them to stand 
with their companions in the open road. It 
was a fatal error, that placed his entire force 
at the mercy of the enemy. Terrorized by the 
fierce yells of the Indians, and the storm of bul¬ 
lets that swept the road, the troops cast off dis- 

173 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


cipline and became a wild, frenzied mob of 
panic stricken men; each man intent npon sav¬ 
ing himself from the death that was dropping 
his comrades beside him. Disheartened and 
confused by a method of attack that offered 
them little chance for resistance, they fought 
at random, aiming their rifles wherever they 
saw a puff of smoke. Many fired directly toward 
the Virginians; others mistook the Oneidas 
for foes; and some, crazed by panic, shot reck¬ 
lessly among their comrades. General Brad- 
dock rode furiously to and fro attempting to 
bring order from chaos. Colonel Washington 
was equally fearless. Many officers had already 
been killed, but those who survived exposed 
themselves with reckless daring in their efforts 
to rally the disheartened troops. 

Encouraged by the disorder among their 
enemies, the Indians and Canadians made des¬ 
perate efforts to drive back the Virginians and 
the Oneidas, who alone prevented them from 
surrounding the helpless troops in the ravine. 
Employing the methods of their crafty foes, 
the Virginians and their Indian allies fought 
with a grim, stubborn ferocity that made them 
invincible. 

Jim and Kichkinet had joined Dale, Brad¬ 
ford and Clayborne in a sheltered refuge be- 

174 




AN AMBUSH 


tween a number of large bowlders. Thus in¬ 
trenched, they waged a gallant and effective 
fight. Each of the scouts was a calm and ex¬ 
pert marksman, and the foe who exposed him¬ 
self was doomed. 

“If General Braddock would only lead his 
troops into the woods and fight from cover, we 
might still win the victory,” Jim said, regret¬ 
fully. 

“It is too late,” declared Dale. “The regu¬ 
lars an’ some of the militiamen have—” 

“Watch out!” warned Kichkinet. 

A moment afterward a company of Hurons 
rushed toward them. The scouts fired a deadly 
volley that drove them to cover. Sheltered by 
the trees they yelled defiance, and fired several 
futile volleys. 

“Watch out behind,” warned Dale. 

The attack had been a trick to draw the atten¬ 
tion of the scouts while another company of 
Hurons attempted to get behind them. Hav¬ 
ing discovered the stratagem, Jim and Clay- 
borne covered the rear, while their comrades 
watched the foes in front of them. 

“They’ve got us in a tight fix,” Dale said, 
grimly. “If there’s enough of ’em, they may 
rush in an’ get us.” 

“There is one who will not come any closer,” 

175 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


Clayborne declared, savagely, as lie reloaded 
bis rifle. 

Then Dale shot. 

“Thar’s another that’ll stay behind,” he 
said, “It’s like watchin’ for squirrels.” 

“Hi, that was a close call,” cried Clayborne, 
as he removed his cap and stared at a small 
round hole through the crown. 

“Lie low, Dick; lie low,” Dale cautioned him. 

“I don’t like the idea of those scamps getting 
behind us,” Bradford said, uneasily. “If they 
cut us off from our friends, we shall be in a 
bad way.” 

“I’m thinkin’ about that,” Dale told him. 

At that moment Kichkinet raised his voice in 
a wild, ringing whoop that rose above the tu¬ 
mult, and reverberated shrilly through the 
woods. Before the sound died away he 
whooped again. Then he repeated the call the 
third time. His companions turned to him in 
surprise. 

“Mohawk, what makes you feel so good!” 
inquired Dale. 

“I have called my brothers; pretty soon you 
will see the Hurons running like rabbits,” said 
Kichkinet. 

“Grood,” cried Jim. 

They waited anxiously, and then they heard 

176 




AN AMBUSH 


the fierce Oneida war cry ringing out behind 
them. A few moments afterward a strong 
force of Oneidas rushed through the timber, 
and drove the Hurons before them. The scouts 
cheered wildly as their enemies fled beyond 
rifle shot. 

“The Oneidas are very brave/’ Jim told 
Kichkinet. 

0 

“The Oneidas and the Mohawks are broth¬ 
ers/’ said Kichkinet. 

Then Broken Face, the Oneida leader, and 
several warriors made their way to the bowl¬ 
ders. They crouched down beside the scouts, 
and Broken Face struck the ground with his 
fist. 

“It is had,” he cried. “Achawi, what I 
warned you about has come to pass. The great 
white chief has been shot. His warriors are 
running toward the river. There is no one 
left to fight but the warriors in the blue coats 
and ourselves. The warriors in the blue coats 
are very brave, hut many of them have been 
killed. Many Oneidas have been killed. Every¬ 
thing has gone against us. We should have 
listened to the war bird.” 

The scouts stared at the Oneida in speechless 
amazement. For several moments they refused 
to believe his words. What he had told them 

177 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


seemed impossible. Broken Face guessed their 
thoughts. 

“My brothers, I have told you what my eyes 
have seen,” he declared. “Listen; your ears 
will tell you that I have spoken the truth.” 

“It is true,” cried Dale. 

Except for the reports of rifles on their right, 
;where the Virginians had made their stand, 
the din of battle had ceasedj Far behind them 
they heard a few scattered musket shots. The 
words of Broken Face appeared to be con¬ 
firmed. 

“Oh, oh, oh!” moaned Clayborne, as he 
bowed his head in his hands. 

They looked at one another in despair. Grief 
kept them silent. They saw a militiaman ap¬ 
proaching cautiously through the timber. Clay- 
borne waved his hand, and the man hurried 
toward them. 

“I bring bad news,” he cried, as he reached 
them. “Everything is lost. General Braddock 
has been mortally wounded, and his troops are 
fleeing in panic. We must attempt to cover the 
retreat. Captain Wyatt desires you to join 
us.” 

“It is the only thing we can do,” agreed 
Dale. “Broken Face, call in your brothers. 
We ’ll drop back and join the militia. ’’ 

178 





AN AMBUSH 


The Oneida raised his voice in the shrill 
whoop which was the rallying call of his people. 
Three times he repeated the signal. Then they 
waited anxiously for the reply. At last they 
heard it, some distance ahead of them. Soon 
afterward they saw the Oneidas retreating 
cautiously through the woods. They were mov¬ 
ing swiftly from tree to tree, and fighting back 
their foes who appeared to be close behind them. 

“Retreatin’ is a dangerous job,” said Dale. 
“When we begin to fall back, the French will 
think we’re losin’ courage, an’ then they’ll be 
likely to rush us.” 

When the Oneidas joined them, they began 
a slow, cautious retreat toward the Virginians. 
As Dale had anticipated, the Canadians and 
Hurons instantly interpreted the maneuver as 
the signal of defeat. Yelling fiercely, they 
rushed recklessly upon their foes in the hope 
of throwing them into a rout. 

“Fight ’em back,” Dale cried, savagely. 

They took shelter behind trees and fought 
stubbornly. The Canadians and their Indians 
attempted to surround them, but the Oneidas 
were alert to the peril and drove them back. 
Then for a long time it was a matter of cautious 
watching, each side waiting for the other to 
move. At last, however, a company of Vir- 

179 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


ginians came to the assistance of the scouts, and 
after a short, desperate fight the Canadians 
and Hurons were forced to give way. 

“This is our chance/’ cried Dale. 

With the Oneidas forming an impregnable 
skirmish line to cover the retreat, the little 
company moved hack to join the main force of 
Virginians. They reached them in safety, and 
then the entire force, under command of Cap¬ 
tain Wyatt, retreated carefully through the 
woods along the edge of the road., The enemy 
followed cautiously behind them, but showed 
little inclination to venture nearer. 

“They’ve learned their lesson,” said Clay- 
borne. 

“Don’t be too sure,” Dale cautioned him. 

As they moved slowly along the edge of the 
road they saw the grim evidence of the disas¬ 
trous defeat. It was a depressing sight. The 
cannons had been abandoned, and about them 
lay the bodies of the brave men who had de¬ 
fended them. The baggage wagons had been 
left at the side of the road, with the horses 
lying dead in their traces. The ravine was 
littered with the lifeless forms of soldiers and 
horses. 

“This is terrible,” cried Jim. 

Then they heard the reports of muskets far- 

180 




AN AMBUSH 


ther down the road, and soon afterward they 
came npon a small force of militiamen who had 
been surrounded and separated from their com¬ 
panions. A sharp skirmish followed and the 
Canadians and Indians were driven off. They 
soon retired to join their comrades who had 
stopped to pillage the baggage wagons at the 
scene of the fight. 

“Now, maybe they’ll leave us,” said Dale. 

When they arrived at the fording place they 
found that the troops had crossed the river in 
wild panic, and were continuing their flight to¬ 
ward Turtle Creek. The Virginians and the 
Oneidas stopped at the river, but the militia¬ 
men whom they had rescued from their foes 
rushed into the water and crossed to the other 
side. 

“We’ll go down this side of the river, an’ 
meet ’em at the creek,” proposed Dale. 

“It will he easier than crossing over, and I 
don’t expect much more trouble from our foes,” 
replied Captain Wyatt. 

“No; they won an easy victory, and now 
they’ll loiter to examine the plunder,” declared 
Clayborne. 


181 




CHAPTER XIII 


THE BROKEN ARMY 

C APTAIN Wyatt and his little force made 
their way to Turtle Creek without opposi¬ 
tion from their foes, although the Oneidas 
several times brought warning of French scouts 
who were following cautiously through the 
woods. 

“They’ve had about enough,’’ said Dale. 
“They’ll follow for a ways to make sure that 
we don’t plan to go back an’ finish the fight.” 
“I wish we might,” Jim replied, heartily. 

“I would gladly give my life to defeat them,” 
declared Clayborne. 

“Gentlemen, I share your feelings,” Captain 
Wyatt told them. “However, it is useless to 
hope. Our forces are shattered and demoral¬ 
ized. There is little chance of rallying them. 
Their one thought is to escape from this dreary 
wilderness which has proved to be a death trap. 
A terrible disaster has overtaken us, but we 
may find some consolation in the thought that 

we have attempted to do our duty.” 

182 


THE BROKEN ARMY 


“Is it true that General Braddock has re¬ 
ceived a mortal wound!” Jim inquired, anx¬ 
iously. 

“I fear so,” replied Captain Wyatt. “I re¬ 
ceived the news from the leader of the Oneidas. 
He claims to have seen General Braddock fall.” 

“His word is reliable,” declared Jim. 

“I feel certain of it,” said Captain Wyatt. 
“The Oneidas have rendered splendid service, 
and I fear that many of them have been killed.” 

“I trust, sir, that our people will appreciate 
the sacrifice,” Jim told him. 

“I shall make it my duty to acquaint them 
with the facts,” declared the officer. 

At Turtle Creek they overtook the troops. 
They had just crossed the river, and were pre¬ 
paring to resume their flight through the wilder¬ 
ness. Haggard and wild eyed, the men pre¬ 
sented a pitiful appearance as they crowded 
together at the edge of the forest, peering un¬ 
easily into the shadows as if fearful of again 
discovering the savage foes whose wild, haunt¬ 
ing yells still throbbed in their ears. Their 
pride, their confidence and even their courage 
had left them, and they were like frightened 
children who had suddenly awakened from a 
horrible dream. Many were severely wounded, 
but they made light of their injuries, lest their 

183 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


comrades might leave them in the mad race to 
escape from their foes. 

“We must he off; we must be off,” they told 
one another in low frightened whispers. 

The officers attempted to rally them, but the 
effort was useless. The sight of the Oneidas 
filled them with fresh terror. Some raised their 
rifles with trembling hands and would have 
shot down those loyal allies, but Captain Wyatt 
and the Virginians rushed forward and dis¬ 
armed them. Then they broke away and stum¬ 
bled blindly along the road, a long, straggling 
line of broken men, fleeing in wild, senseless 
panic from the foes whom at dawn they had 
regarded with contempt. Jim joined the Virgin¬ 
ians at the side of the road, and looked on sadly 
as the troops filed past. They presented a dis¬ 
tressing contrast to the gay, confident company 
that had advanced over the same route earlier 
in the day. 

“ Where is General Braddock?” Jim asked 
Captain Wyatt. 

“The wounded have been carried on in ad¬ 
vance of the column,” the officer told him. 

At that moment a gray-haired English ser¬ 
geant staggered toward them. He appeared to 
be exhausted and on the verge of collapse. Jim 
seized him to save him from falling. A bloody 

184 




THE BROKEN ARMY 


bandage was twisted awkwardly about bis bead, 
and one arm dangled helplessly at bis side. He 
was tbe man wbo bad spoken against tbe In¬ 
dians at Fort Cumberland. He glared at Jim 
with fierce, threatening eyes. 

“Your Virginians and Indians are to blame 
for this,” be shouted. “If they’d stood their 
ground and helped us, we might have beaten 
the French. They did as I told you they’d do. 
At the first shot they deserted us and ran to 
cover like rabbits. If I had my way I’d give 
orders to shoot every last one of ’em.” 

“Be gone, you fool,” Jim cried, angrily, as he 
pushed him away. 

When the last of the refugees had passed, 
Captain Wyatt assembled the Virginians and 
marched slowly along the road. Their gallantry 
had exposed them to heavy loss, and the little 
band of survivors was but a pitiful remnant of 
the gallant company that had sacrificed them¬ 
selves to save the troops from annihilation. 
Captain Wyatt and a young corporal were the 
only officers who had survived. The Oneidas, 
too, had suffered heavily, and many famous 
warriors had been killed. They followed silently 
after the Virginians, and Jim and Kichkinet 
dropped back to join them. 

185 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“My brother, the Oneidas were very brave/ ’ 
Jim told Broken Face. 

The Oneida nodded. He and his warriors ap¬ 
peared sober and depressed. It was a long time 
before he spoke. 

“Achawi, we came here to do a great thing/ ’ 
he said, finally. “Now we are turning back like 
frightened children. It is bad. ’ ’ 

“Yes, my brother, it is bad/’ agreed Jim. 

They followed drearily after the troops until 
darkness fell. Then the men bearing the 
.wounded were forced to halt. The officers took 
advantage of the delay and attempted to rally 
and reorganize the shattered force. About one 
hundred men, besides the Virginians and the 
Oneidas, volunteered to remain and guard the 
camp until daylight. The others continued their 
retreat; fearing to stop lest the crafty foe 
might suddenly rush upon them from the dark¬ 
ness. 

“We must keep going; the Indians are on our 
trail! ’ ’ they cried, excitedly. 

They fled into the night, filled with a mad 
desire to get as far as possible from the scene 
of their disastrous defeat.* Long before day¬ 
light, however, many dropped from exhaustion, 
and others blundered from the trail and lost 
their way in the grim black forest. 

186 




THE BROKEN ARMY 


“ Where -will they stop?” Jim asked anx¬ 
iously. 

“Perhaps, not until they reach Fort Cumber¬ 
land,” said Captain Wyatt. 

“It is fortunate that the Canadians and their 
Indians failed to follow us, for they would have 
found many helpless victims,” declared Clay- 
borne. 

“Aye, Dick, that they would,” replied Dale. 

Soft couches of spruce boughs were provided 
for the wounded, and a strong force of sentinels 
was posted about the camp. Then several fires 
were lighted, and the disheartened, battle worn 
men assembled in little groups to discuss the 
catastrophe that had overtaken them. 

“Mohawk, it has been a bad day for our 
people,” Jim said, solemnly. 

“The war bird warned us about it,, but we 
closed our ears,” Kichkinet reminded him. 

The night passed without alarm, and shortly 
after daylight they resumed the march through 
the wilderness. It was not long before they 
came upon the exhausted stragglers who had 
been left behind by the fleeing troops. Many 
w T ere entirely helpless, and, as there were no 
horses, Captain Wyatt and his men were com¬ 
pelled to leave them. However, they left food 
and water, and assured them that Colonel Dun- 

187 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


<■—— I" . . I 

bar would soon send men and horses to bring 
them to the fort. 

“Colonel Washington and several cavalry¬ 
men have gone to meet Colonel Dunbar, and 
bring relief,’’ said Captain Wyatt. 

“It cannot come too soon,” Jim told him. 

Two days passed before they finally met a 
convoy of wagons bearing provisions and medi¬ 
cal supplies for the wounded. A strong force 
of militiamen from Colonel Dunbar’s division 
accompanied the relief train. They said that 
Colonel Dunbar and his troops were encamped 
at a place called the Great Meadows, a day’s 
journey farther on. 

“Perhaps our men will stop there, and, rein¬ 
forced by the fresh troops and the artillery, 
we still may be able to return and overcome the 
French,” Jim said, hopefully. 

“God grant it,” Captain Wyatt replied, fer¬ 
vently. 

However, when they reached Colonel Dun¬ 
bar’s camp, late the following day, they found 
the entire force preparing to turn about and 
retreat to Fort Cumberland. The wild, exag¬ 
gerated tales of the terrorized men who had 
faced the foe soon weakened the confidence of 
the others, and filled them with demoralizing 
fear. The shock of the unexpected defeat, the 

188 




THE BROKEN ARMY 


fate of General Braddock, the staggering loss 
among his troops and the sight of wounded 
comrades spread the panic among the untried 
militiamen and the bewildered English regulars. 
The officers appeared to be as confused and 
helpless as their mem 

“All is lost,” Captain Wyatt cried, bitterly. 
“The expedition has ended in failure.” 

That night General Braddock died of his 
wounds, and his death completed the demorali¬ 
zation of the troops. Deprived of the com¬ 
mander upon whom they had depended for vic¬ 
tory, both officers and men gave way to despair. 
Awed by their misfortune, they abandoned all 
thought of attempting to regain the victory 
from the French. A retreat seemed the only 
alternative, for of fourteen hundred men who 
had followed General Braddock into the wilder¬ 
ness, less than five hundred had escaped un¬ 
harmed ; while of eighty-five officers, sixty- 
three had been killed or wounded. The can¬ 
nons, the baggage wagons, and most of the pack 
horses that were with the defeated troops had 
been lost. 

“It is folly to invite further slaughter,” de¬ 
clared an English captain. 

Soon afterward orders were issued for a re¬ 
treat to Fort Cumberland. Then followed a 

189 





r 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


scenes of wild disorder. Unwilling to impede 
their progress with the cannons and baggage 
train, the troops were ordered to destroy them. 
The work was begun at once* The cannons 
were burst; the shells were buried; barrels of 
powder were staved and the contents scattered 
through the woods; most of the baggage wagons 
were dismantled and burned; and a large por¬ 
tion of the supplies which had caused the fatal 
delay at Alexandria were left behind. 

“Such destruction is shameful,” Tom Dale 
cried, indignantly. 

“Everything might be carried to Fort Cum¬ 
berland, but the troops have gone mad,” 
Captain Wyatt said, sadly. 

Jim and Kichkinet looked on in silent amaze¬ 
ment. 

The Oneidas, however, took advantage of the 
opportunity to secure bountiful supplies of 
powder and provisions^ Kichkinet nodded ap¬ 
proval. 

“What the white men throw away, my broth¬ 
ers will use,” he said. 

At dawn General Braddock was buried in the 
open road, and then troops, horses and wagons 
passed over his grave to destroy evidences of 
the burial, and prevent the Hurons from finding 

190 




TEE BROKEN ARMY 


the body. At the end of four days the dejected 
troops arrived at Fort Cumberland. 

“We have been defeated; General Braddock 
has been killed! ’ ’ they called out, excitedly, as 
they crowded into the stockade. 

The little garrison was thrown into confusion 
by the announcement. For long anxious weeks 
they had awaited the arrival of a courier with 
news of a splendid victory at Fort Duquesne. 
The possibility of defeat had never entered 
their minds. Now that it had come they were 
unwilling to accept it. They gathered eagerly 
about the men who had been with Braddock, 
and clamored for details of the disaster. 

“It is true; it is true,” they cried, forlornly, 
when they had heard the depressing story from 
the survivors. 

At that moment Broken Face, the Oneida 
leader, joined Jim and Kichkinet. 

“My brothers, the fight is over; there is 
nothing more to do; we are about to go back to 
our people,” he said. “We will travel with 
bowed heads and heavy hearts, for many of our 
brothers are lying back there in the woods. 
Now I see that we were foolish to go ahead 
with this thing, when the great war bird warned 
us to turn back. Nothing good has come of it. 
Everything is bad.” 


191 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


“ Broken Face, I have listened to your words, 
and my heart is heavy,” replied Jim. “You are 
a brave warrior. Your brothers fought and died 
like men. They held back our enemies, and 
made it possible for the troops to get away. I 
shall tell my people about it. They will re¬ 
member it. 

“And now, my brother, listen sharp to my 
words. Keep them in your heart. Tell them 
to your people. Our enemies, the French, have 
won the first battle. My brother, a great war 
between the French and my people has just 
begun. There will be many more battles. My 
people will send many warriors to fight the 
French. We will drive them from our country 
no matter what it may cost. They will be un¬ 
able to stand against us. The great chief of 
my people lives far away across the big water. 
He will send great ships with many warriors 
and many big guns. Then we will move against 
our enemies. We will knock down their forts, 
and drive them into the north. What I am 
telling you will surely come to pass. Keep 
thinking about it. My brother, remember that 
the French and their Hurons have killed your 
brothers. You are an Oneida. An Oneida does 
not forget such things. ” 

192 




V. 


TEE BROKEN ARMY 


“It is true,” cried Broken Face, as his eyes 
flashed threateningly. 

When Captain Wyatt learned that the Onei- 
das were about to depart, he sent a deputation 
of officers to escort them into the stockade. The 
troops were assembled to receive them, a can¬ 
non boomed a salute, and they were accorded 
the honors which they so well deserved. Captain 
Wyatt praised their valor and thanked them 
for their valuable assistance. Then, after 
Broken Face had made a brief reply, they filed 
soberly through the gateway of the stockade, 
and disappeared into the wilderness. 

“Kichkinet, now you know that my people 
are your friends,” said Jim. 

“It is good,” replied the Mohawk. 

Then a militiaman approached them, and 
said that Captain Wyatt desired to see Jim at 
his quarters. Jim hastened to the fort. 

“Mr. Mason, here is a communication which 
came by courier from Alexandria,” he said, as 
he produced a sealed document. “It has been 
held here awaiting your return, and I have just 
received it.” 

Jim instantly recognized the bold hand¬ 
writing of Colonel Johnson. His heart beat 
wildly as he broke the seals and began to read. 

193 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Then he turned to Captain Wyatt with spark¬ 
ling eyes. 

“ Colonel Johnson is about to advance against 
the French at Crown Point, and he desires me 
to join him as soon as possible, 9 ’ he said. ‘ 1 Cap¬ 
tain Barker is at Alexandria with his ship. He 
will leave within the week. ’ 9 

“We shall be sorry to see yon go,” Captain 
Wyatt told him. “No doubt the New York 
troops will embark with you.” 

“It appears likely,” said Jim. 

He hurried away to find Kichkinet. 

“Mohawk, I have good news,” he cried, en¬ 
thusiastically. “The Great Chief has sent us 
his words. He is about to fight the French, and 
he has called us to help him. Hurrah, we shall 
soon be off!” 

“It is good,” Kichkinet said, quietly. 




CHAPTER XIV 


TIDINGS OP DEFEAT 

T HE people of New York were stunned at 
the news of General Braddock’s defeat 
and death. Like the little garrison at Fort 
Cumberland, they had awaited word of a great 
victory over the French at Fort Duquesne. 

“Our troops have been defeated; General 
Braddock has been killed!” they cried, as they 
rushed excitedly through the streets. 

The announcement threw the town into an up¬ 
roar. Houses, taverns and shops were deserted, 
as the people thronged to the fort to learn the 
details of the disaster. Many pale faced women, 
with wild frightened eyes, clamored for news 
of relatives who had failed to return from the 
ill-fated expedition. 

“Mohawk, it is a sad return,’’ Jim said, 
gloomily. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

“These women are like Mohawk women,” he 
said. 1 6 They feel very bad when their warriors 
do not come back.” 


195 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Later in the day Jim learned that a sloop was 
about to sail with supplies for the troops who 
were mobilizing at Albany for the expedition 
against Crown Point. Eager to reach Colonel 
Johnson at the earliest possible moment, Jim 
went in search of the captain to engage passage 
for Kichkinet and himself. 

Four days later they arrived at Albany. The 
quaint Dutch settlement was filled with troops. 
There were many companies of militia from 
New York and the New England provinces, 
several new regiments of English regulars, a 
corps of artillery, and great trains of baggage 
wagons and packhorses. The entire force was 
encamped on the open meadows, or commons, at 
each end of the town. Jim learned, however, 
that Colonel Johnson was at Fort Johnson, and 
he determined to go to him at once. 

“Mohawk, we must go to the Great Chief ,’’ 
he said. 

“It is good,” replied Kichkinet. 

The announcement of General Braddock’s 
defeat caused the same wild excitement at 
Albany that they had witnessed at New York. 
Even the stolid Dutch merchants and traders 
were roused from their composure and filled 
with alarm. 

“If der Yrench vin der var, dey vill take 

196 




TIDINGS OF DEFEAT 


avay der injuns, un den ve vill lose our 
drade,” they told one another. 

The troops were greatly depressed by the 
gloomy tidings from Virginia. However, they 
were far from disheartened, and resolved to 
offset the defeat with a notable victory at 
Crown Point. 

“We’ll soon match scores with the French- 
ies,” they declared. 

Early the following day Jim and Kichkinet 
set out along the road to Schenectady. They 
reached the settlement shortly before nightfall, 
and received an enthusiastic welcome from the 
Camerons. 

“Friends, I bring bad news,” Jim said, dis¬ 
consolately. 

“Jim, my boy, what has happened?” Donald 
Cameron asked, anxiously. 

“Our troops have been defeated with great 
loss, and General Braddock has been killed.” 

The clergyman seated himself, and bowed 
his head in his hands. It was some time before 
he attempted to speak. 

“What a terrible calamity has befallen us,” 
he said, finally. “Jim, it seems almost unbe¬ 
lievable.” 

“It is a hard blow,” Jim told him. “How¬ 
ever, Mr. Cameron, I feel certain that Colonel 

197 ; 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Johnson and his troops will overcome this un¬ 
fortunate defeat with a telling victory at Crown 
Point. ’ ’ 

“Aye, my boy, that he will,” Mrs. Cameron 
cried, bravely. “At any rate, Donald, we may 
be thankful that Jim has been spared to us.” 

“It is true,” the clergyman agreed, earnestly. 

“And now, my friends, I must report to the 
commander at the garrison,” Jim told them. 

‘ 1 It will be sad news, ’’ declared Donald Cam¬ 
eron. 

Long before Jim reached the fort, however, 
he was besieged by a throng of excited friends 
who asked for news of the encounter with the 
French at Duquesne. When they learned the 
result of the disastrous expedition they stared 
at him in wild-eyed amazement. Jim left them 
and hurried on to the fort. At the entrance he 
met Captain MacKenzie from the garrison at 
Albany. 

“Mr. Mason, I am glad to see that you have 
returned safely from the expedition with Gen¬ 
eral Braddock,” Captain MacKenzie told him. 
“I presume the French fort has been taken.” 

‘ ‘ Captain MacKenzie, prepare yourself for 
bad news,” said Jim. 

The officer drew back in surprise. 

“Surely, you cannot mean—” he hesitated. 

198 




TILINGS OF DEFEAT 


“Our troops were defeated and routed with 
staggering loss,” Jim told him. “General 
Braddock and most of his officers have been 

killed.” 

6 i God help us , 9 9 moaned Captain MacKenzie. 

He called an orderly, and sent the dismal 
tidings through the fort. Then they went to 
the quarters of the commanding officer. Night 
had already fallen when Jim finally left the 
dejected garrison, and rejoined Kichkinet. 

“The old man with the long pipe is waiting 
for you,” said Kichkinet. 

They went to the trading store of old Die- 
derich Suydam, and found him pacing excitedly 
to and fro. He appeared to be greatly agitated. 

“Jim, my poy, I hear bad words—are they 
true?” he inquired anxiously. 

“Yes, Mr. Suydam, a great disaster has fallen 
upon us,” said Jim. “As you probably have 
heard, our troops have been defeated and 
General Braddock and many of his officers have 
been killed.” 

“Yah, yah, I yust heard aboud it, but I did 
not believe it,” said Diederich. 

“It is true,” declared Jim. 

“Dot is bad,” replied the Dutchman. “Yah, 
yah, Jim, dot is bad.” 

“Never fear, Mr. Suydam, we shall make up 

199 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


for the defeat when we meet the French at 
Crown Point,” Jim replied cheerfully. 

“Vail, Jim, I hope so,” Diederich declared, 
gloomily. “Dose French are makin’ drouble 
up dere. Alreaty they have killed many of our 
beebles along der frontiers. Jack Crawford 
tells me aboud it. He says der woods is filled 
mit Injuns.” 

“We shall drive them out,” Jim declared, 
confidently. 

Some time later, when they returned to 
the Camerons, they found many friends as¬ 
sembled at the home of the clergyman to hear 
further details of the encounter with the 
French, and Jim spent most of the night 
answering questions. 

Early the following day he left for Fort 
Johnson. As the river was low and calm, Jim 
and the Mohawk decided to travel by canoe. 
Late in the afternoon they arrived at the fort. 
Their appearance was the signal for an enthu¬ 
siastic greeting from the garrison. 

“Oh, I dread to tell them the horrible truth,” 
Jim groaned. 

He had barely stepped from the canoe before 
he was overwhelmed by a crowd of eager 
militiamen and scouts, w r ho inquired the result 

200 




TIDINGS OF DEFEAT 


of General Braddock’s expedition against Du- 
qnesne. 

“We were defeated,’’ Jim told them. 

“Defeated?” they cried, incredulously. 

“Yes, my friends, our troops were routed, 
and General Braddock and most of his officers 
were killed,” replied Jim. “And now I must 
hasten to inform Colonel Johnson. Is he at the 
fort?” 

A sergeant nodded. 

“Tell Colonel Johnson that James Mason has 
arrived with important information,” he told 
the sentry. 

In a few moments he was permitted to enter. 
He passed gloomily along the great hall, and 
stopped before the council room. His heart 
filled with despair as he knocked at the great 
oaken door. It was opened by Colonel Johnson. 

“Well, well, here is Mr. Mason, sound and 
hearty, and come to tell me that we have taken 
Fort Duquesne, I’ll warrant,” he cried jovially. 

Jim shook his head. For the moment his 
grief kept him silent. Colonel Johnson looked 
anxiously into his face. 

“Speak, man; what has happened?” 

“Our troops were defeated and routed; Gen¬ 
eral Braddock has been killed.” 

Colonel Johnson appeared like one in a 

201 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


dream. He moved unsteadily across the room 
and dropped into a chair. Then he motioned 
for Jim to he seated. 

“Tell me how it happened/’ he said. 

Jim described the ambush and rout of the 
English forces, and Colonel Johnson listened 
with close attention. When the disheartening 
story had been told, he turned to Jim with 
flashing eyes. 

“Mr. Mason, my one fear has been that Gen¬ 
eral Braddock and the English troops might 
underestimate the peril from the Canadians 
and their Indian allies,’ 9 he said. ‘ ‘ The blunder 
has brought disaster. However, we must not 
grow disheartened. The French have dealt us 
a severe blow, but we shall rally and resume 
the fight with stronger determination / 9 

“I am glad to hear you say that, sir/’ Jim 
told him. 

“As you are aware, I am about to lead a 
strong force against our enemies at Crown 
Point/’ continued Colonel Johnson. “Many of 
the troops are at Albany; others are already 
advancing slowly along the river in command 
of Colonel Lyman. They will await the main 
force at the Carrying Place, which is about 
twenty leagues above Albany. 

“And now, Mr. Mason, I have urgent need of 

202 




TIDINGS OF DEFEAT 


your services. It will be necessary to employ 
trained and skillful scouts to keep us advised 
of the plans of the enemy and guard against 
a repetition of the deplorable disaster which 
overtook General Braddock. For such work we 
must depend upon our allies, the Mohawks. I 
desire that you shall command them. With 
that object in mind, I have commissioned you a 
Chief of Scouts with the rank of Lieutenant 
with his Majesty’s troops. As war has come, 
I feel confident that you will accept the com¬ 
mission as a true and loyal subject of the Brit¬ 
ish King.” 

“I shall accept, sir, and pledge myself to do 
my duty to the best of my ability,” Jim told 

him. 

“Good,” said Colonel Johnson. 

He brought a long, sealed document from the 
council table. 

“Lieutenant Mason, I have the honor to com¬ 
mission you a Chief of Scouts in the service of 
his majesty, George The Second, and, as a com¬ 
manding officer in his Majesty’s forces, I am 
required to demand your pledge to faithfully 
perform such duties as may be assigned to you, 
sacrificing your life if necessary to fulfill your 
duty. Lieutenant Mason, do you, before Al¬ 
mighty God, so pledge yourself?” 

203 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 

“I do,” replied Jim. 

“Lieutenant Mason, I welcome you as a fel¬ 
low officer,” said Colonel Johnson, as he offered 
his hand. 

“Thank you,” said Jim. “However, I fear 
I know little of military routine.’ ’ 

“For you, such knowledge is entirely un¬ 
necessary,” Colonel Johnson assured him. 
“You will he free to come and go as circum¬ 
stances demand, and you will not he required 
either to wear the uniform or conform to the 
discipline by which most of us are bound. Most 
of your time will be spent in the wilderness, and 
while your duties may be difficult and perilous, 
I feel certain that they will not he irksome.” 

“May I ask from whom I shall receive 
orders?” inquired Jim, 

“From me alone,” said Colonel Johnson. 
“However, it is my duty to advise you that as 
an officer with his Majesty’s troops you must 
nt all times demand respect and obedience from 
the troops, and render the same to your su¬ 
perior officers.” 

“I shall do so,” said Jim. “In the mean¬ 
time, Colonel Johnson, I await your orders . 9 9 

“Lieutenant Mason, you are to proceed to 
Caughnawaga to organize a company of Mo¬ 
hawk scouts. I beg to advise that you muster 

204 




TIDINGS OF DEFEAT 


at least fifty warriors. When you have or¬ 
ganized your company, I desire that you shall 
march to join the forces at the Carrying Place. 
Kichkinet is familiar with the route. There 
you will find further orders awaiting you.” 

“Very good, sir,” replied Jim. 

“When can you depart for Caughnawaga?” 

“At dawn,” Jim told him. 

“I must caution you that I have good reasons 
for suspicion against old Da-yo-ho-go, the 
crafty Medicine Man. I believe that he is work¬ 
ing against us, and I fear that he may attempt 
to interfere with your plans. I have also been 
told that La Valle and his friends are attempt¬ 
ing to make further trouble between the Indians 
and ourselves. I feel confident that you will 
do what you may to overcome these sinister 
influences.” 

“I shall watch carefully,” Jim assured him. 




CHAPTEB XY 


OFF TO CAUGHNAWAGA 

A T DAWN Jim and KicMdnet departed on 
tlieir journey to Caughnawaga. Dan Hol¬ 
combe accompanied them to the river. 

i ‘We’ll soon meet again with the troops at 
the Carr yin’ Place/’ he said, as they entered 
the canoe. 

“I hope so, Dan,” Jim told him. 

A moment afterward they paddled away, and 
Holcombe waved his cap as they disappeared 
around a turn of the river. It was a glorious 
mid-summer morning, and Jim reveled in the 
cool pine scented air, and the peaceful silence 
of his beloved wilderness. 

1 i Mohawk, it is good to be home again,” he 
cried, enthusiastically. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

They soon passed the isolated cabins on the 

border of the settlement, and entered the vast 

stretch of unspoiled forest. It followed closely 

along the edge of the river, and darkened the 

water with its shadows. Mystery and peril 

206 


OFF TO CAUGHNAWAGA 


lurked in the dim, gloomy solitudes. At mid¬ 
day they approached the rapids, and Jim turned 
the canoe toward shore. Kichkinet nodded 
approval. 

“It is good,” he said. 

“They nearly got you before, and we shall 
take no chances this time,” Jim told him. 

“It was the Water Monsters,” replied Kich¬ 
kinet. 

“Tell me about them,” urged Jim. 

The Mohawk shook his head. It was the sec¬ 
ond time he had refused to talk about those 
strange Medicine Creatures, and Jim believed 
that the mere mention of them filled him with 
superstitious fear. They drew the canoe from 
the water and carried it through the woods. 
When they were beyond the head of the rapids, 
they resumed their journey up the river. 
Shortly afterward an eagle appeared from the 
timber and circled above the canoe. They re¬ 
called the warning of Broken Face, the Oneida 
war leader. This time, however, the bird kept 
silent, and flew directly up the river. 

“It is good,” declared Kichkinet. “There is 
no danger. The war bird is leading us to our 
people.” 

It was dark when they finally saw the glow 
from the fires in the Mohawk village. As they 

207 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


approached, Kichkinet imitated the call of the 
great horned owl. Three times he repeated the 
signal. Then they waited for the reply. In a 
few moments it sounded at the edge of the 
water. 

“Now, my people know about us,” said Kich¬ 
kinet. 

They paddled to the shore, and found a com¬ 
pany of Mohawks assembled to meet them. 
Kichkinet spoke briefly with his father, and his 
uncle Short Dog, and then the Mohawk chief 
turned to Jim. 

“Achawi, you have come back—it is good,” 
he said. “My lodge is open.” 

“Ha-yo-went-ha, I am glad to return to my 
friends,” replied Jim. 

They entered the village and accompanied 
Ha-yo-went-ha to his lodge. Short Dog joined 
them. They found old Da-go-no-we-da, the 
grandfather of Kichkinet, smoking beside a 
small fire in the center of the lodge. He looked 
up curiously as they entered. 

“My father, Kichkinet and his brother 
Achawi have returned, ’ ’ Ha-yo-went-ha told 
him. 

“Where are they?” inquired Da-go-no-we-da. 
“I wish to see them.” 

Kichkinet went forward and seated himself 

208 




OFF TO CAUGHNAWAGA 


beside Da-go-no-we-da. They talked for some 
moments, and then Kichkinet signaled for Jim 
to approach. 

“My grandfather wishes to talk with yon,” 
he told him. “I will tell yon his words.” 

Jim stood before the aged w T arrion 

“Da-go-no-we-da says he is glad to see yon 
here,” said Kichkinet. “He says yon have been 
away a long time. He says he has been thinking 
abont you. He says yon must tell him where 
you have been and what you have done.” 

“Tell Da-go-no-we-da that I am glad to be 
here,” replied Jim. “Tell him that I do not 
speak his words, so I will ask my brother Kich¬ 
kinet to tell him what he desires to know.” 

They seated themselves abont the fire, and 
Kichkinet talked earnestly with his people. As 
they conversed rapidly in the Mohawk tongue, 
Jim was at a loss to follow the talk. He felt 
certain, however, that Kichkinet was giving an 
account of their experiences since they had left 
the Mohawk camp. Ha-yo-went-ha and Short 
Dog appeared to be much impressed by his 
words. The night was far advanced when Kich¬ 
kinet finally finished his story. Then the three 
older Mohawks talked quietly together. At last 
Ha-yo-went-ha turned to Jim. 

“Achawi, my son has told us many big 

209 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


things,” he said. “We have heard about the 
great villages of your people. We have heard 
about great canoes with wings like birds. We 
have heard about great guns that knock down 
trees. We have heard about the big water. 
These things are mysterious, but we believe the 
words of Kichkinet.” 

“They are true,” Jim assured him. 

“Achawi, my son has told me how you saved 
him from the fierce Water Monsters,” Ha-yo- 
went-ha said, soberly. “It was a great thing 
to do. You are very brave. I will think about 
it a long time. 

“Now, my brother, I will talk about some¬ 
thing different. I will talk about the great 
fight. Kichkinet has told us about it. Our 
hearts are heavy. When the war bird warned 
you, you should have turned around. It was 
foolish to go ahead. Now you see what came of 
it. The great white war leader was killed. 
Many of his people were killed. Many of our 
brothers, the Oneidas, w^ere killed. Everything 
was lost. It is bad. I believe the Oneidas will 
be very mad. I do not know what my people 
will say about it.” 

He paused and looked sharply at Jim. His 
words conveyed a significant warning. Jim 
suddenly realized that he was confronted with a 

210 




OFF TO CATJGENAWAGA 


perilous possibility. He believed that the de¬ 
feat of the English troops might weaken the 
confidence of the Mohawks and their allies, and 
make it difficult to enlist them for further oper¬ 
ations against the French. They had been told 
that the English troops were invincible, and 
that the French would be unable to stand before 
them. Now they were about to learn that in the 
first encounter the English forces had met with 
a crushing defeat. Jim feared the result. He 
considered carefully before he spoke. 

‘ ‘ Great chief, I see that your heart is heavy 
because the French have driven back my 
people / 9 he said. “You must not think about 
it. My people will soon drive away the French. 
Yes, my brother, we will do what we have set 
out to do. We have many warriors and many 
great guns. Pretty soon those guns will sweep 
away the French forts. Our people fell into 
a trap. Now they will be more cautious. There 
will be many more battles, and you will see that 
my people are stronger than the French. Your 
brother, the Great Chief, is about to lead his 
warriors against our enemies. He has sent me 
here to give you his words. He wishes you to 
help him. He says that the great chief, Ha-yo- 
went-ha, is his friend. It is written on the 
wampum belt which you carried to his village. 

211 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


4 


The Great Chief wishes many brave Mohawk 
scouts to help him against the French. He has 
sent me here to be the leader. If you help the 
Great Chief he will surely drive away the 
French, and then everything w T ill be good. Ha- 
yo-went-ha, you are a great leader. You must 
tell your people to listen to my words. You 
must tell them to help my people. You must 
ask them to go with me to fight our enemies. 
The son of Achawi has spoken.” 

Jim waited anxiously for Ha-yo-went-ha to 
speak. For a long time, however, the Mohawk 
kept silent. He appeared to be meditating upon 
what he had heard. Once he spoke briefly with 
Short Hog. The latter nodded. Then Ha-yo- 
went-ha replied to Jim. 

“Achawi, the Great Chief is my friend,” 
he said. “We have carried the wampum belt 
to your people. We will keep it bright. At 
the end of the next sun I will call my people 
for a big talk. I wfill give them the words of 
the Great Chief. I will ask them to go on the 
war trail against our enemies, the French.” 

“It is good,” said Jim. 

Soon afterward Jim left him, and went to a 
small lodge at the other end of the camp, which 
had been set apart for his use the previous 
year, when he lived with the Mohawks as a 

212 




OFF TO CAUGHNAWAGA 


trader. Kichkinet accompanied him. When 
they entered the lodge they found Skennek, the 
young brother of Kichkinet, sleeping soundly 
on the rude platform of poles that afforded 
sleeping accommodations at the rear of the 
lodge. Kichkinet approached softly, and seized 
the young Mohawk. Skennek sprang up wildly 
and grappled with him. Then he suddenly 
recognized them. 

“Achawi!” he cried, joyously. 

“Skennek,” said Jim. 

“Friend - glad - come,” Skennek said, labor¬ 
iously, in English. 

“Brother - good - see,” Jim replied in the 
Mohawk tongue. 

Kichkinet laughed merrily at their efforts to 
converse. The previous year they had spent 
considerable time attempting to instruct each 
other, hut neither of them had made much prog¬ 
ress toward acquiring the language of the 
other. 

“Kichkinet, will your father tell your people 
about the fight!” Jim asked, anxiously, as they 
prepared to sleep. 

“If they ask about it, he will tell them,” re¬ 
plied Kichkinet. 

“It is bad,” declared Jim. 

Kichkinet kept silent. 

213 




CHAPTER XVI 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 

E ARLY the following day a courier entered 
the camp, and said that a company of 
Oneidas was approaching. Ha-yo-went-ha as¬ 
sembled a number of famous warriors and 
went to meet the visitors. Soon afterward 
they entered the village^ Jim looked upon 
them with gloomy misgivings. He felt certain 
that they had come to tell of General Brad- 
dock’s defeat, and he realized that their story 
would make a deep impression upon the Mo¬ 
hawks. They passed many hours in the coun¬ 
cil lodge, and Jim waited anxiously to learn the 
result of the conference. Late in the day Kich- 
kinet came to inform him. 

“It is bad,” he said. “The Oneidas are 
very mad.” 

“What do they say?” Jim asked, anxiously. 
“They say they were very foolish to listen 
to the words of the white man,” Kichkinet told 
him. “They say the white men ran away and 
left them to fight alone. They say many of 

214 


THE COUNCIL FIRE 


their brothers were killed. They say their 
people feel very bad about this thing. They 
say it is foolish to fight for the white men. 
They say pretty soon the Indians will be swept 
away, and the white men will take their hunting 
grounds.” 

“How do your people feel about it?” 

1 ‘ Some of my people say that the words of the 
Oneidas are good,” Kichkinet told him. “Ach- 
awi, I believe it will be hard to do what the 
Great Chief has asked you to do. Da-yo-ho-go 
is talking against it. He says many bad things 
will happen to us. Da-yo-ho-go is a great Med¬ 
icine Person. He has told us big things. Most 
of them have come true.” 

Jim was filled with despair. Suspicious of 
Da-yo-ho-go, he believed that the crafty old 
Medicine Man would seize the opportunity to 
prejudice his people against the English. Jim 
knew from former experience that Da-yo-ho-go 
had great influence with the Mohawks, and he 
feared that it would be difficult and perilous to 
oppose him. 

“My brother, how does your father feel 
about this thing?” he asked Kichkinet. 

“My father says that we must help the Great 
Chief and his people,” replied Kichkinet. 

“It is good,” Jim said, heartily. 

215 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


He felt considerably encouraged to know 
that the Mohawk chief w r ould indorse his 
words. Ha-yo-went-ha had never failed in his 
pledge to Colonel Johnson and the colonists, 
and Jim believed he would make a strong and 
effective appeal to his people. 

When Jim and Kichkinet left the lodge they 
found the village humming with excitement. 
The Mohawks had assembled in little groups, 
and appeared to be discussing matters of great 
importance. It was evident that news of the 
disaster had spread through the camp. Many 
people approached Kichkinet and asked for 
details of the light. Kichkinet refused to 
talk. 

“Pretty soon you will hear about it,” he 
said, as he hurried away. 

Then, as the day finally came to an end, and 
the sun sank slowly behind the hills, a fire was 
lighted in the center of the camp, and the Mo¬ 
hawks assembled for the council. They formed 
a great circle, and waited patiently for Ha-yo- 
went-ha to address them., The Oneidas sat 
with Ha-yo-went-ha, and Short Hog, and Da-yo- 
ho-go, in the places of honor. Jim sat beside 
Kichkinet. Behind the warriors were the 
women and children. For a long time the Mo¬ 
hawks sat in silence. Jim waited in trying 

216 




TEE COUNCIL FIRE 


suspense. At last Ha-yo-went-ha nodded to¬ 
ward Da-yo-ho-go. 

The Medicine Man advanced toward the fire. 
He was tall and broad-shouldered, and of 
strong physique, and appeared to be well ad¬ 
vanced in years. His head was closely cropped, 
except for a high, narrow crest or mane of hair 
across his crown. His limbs w r ere clothed in 
soft doeskin leggins, but the upper part of his 
body was naked. His face was streaked with 
colored clay, and his breast was decorated with 
strange figures and symbols. A great necklace 
of bear claws encircled his neck. His moc¬ 
casins were decorated with porcupine quills. 
He had sharp, cruel features, and small, treach¬ 
erous eyes. When he reached the fire he 
opened a buckskin bag, and tossed several 
handfuls of dried sweet grass into the flames. 
Then he raised his face toward the sky, and 
offered a prayer to Ha-w T en-ne-yu. 

“ Great Ha-wen-ne-yu, I have made sweet 
smoke to please you, and I hope that you will 
feel good toward us,” he cried. “We have 
come together for a big talk. Great Ha-wen- 
ne-yu, listen to our words and tell us what to 
do.” 

When he finished his appeal he drew the long 
stemmed peace pipe from its buckskin cover- 

217 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


ing, and lighted it with an ember from the fire. 
Then he presented it to Ha-yo-went-ha. The 
chief smoked, and passed the pipe to the Oneida 
who sat at his left. When the Oneida had 
smoked he passed the pipe to the man beside 
him. Thus it went about the circle until all had 
smoked. Then the pipe was returned to Ha- 
yo-ho-go, who replaced it in the buckskin cover. 

A moment afterward Ha-yo-went-ha rose to 
open the council. He was a tall, slender man 
of middle age, with stern features and bold, 
steady eyes. He wore a small crown of eagle 
plumes, and a bear claw necklace. The pelt 
of a timber wolf hung from his belt. He was 
reserved and dignified, and commanded the re¬ 
spect and admiration of his people. 

“My brothers, I have called you here to tell 
you about a great fight,’ ’ he said. ‘ ‘ Kichkinet, 
and Achawi and our brothers the Oneidas were 
in that fight. Perhaps they will tell you about 
it. It went against them. The Hurons, and 
the Pottawattomies, and the Shawnees and the 
Ojibwas were there. They went to help the 
French. It was a big fight. The white chief 
was killed. Many of his people were killed. 
Many Oneidas were killed. Kichkinet, and Ac¬ 
hawi and the Oneidas were very brave. They 
fought until the last. Some of the white men 

218 




TEE COUNCIL FIRE 


stayed behind and helped them. Some of the 
white men ran away. 

“Now my brothers, listen sharp to what I am 
about to say. The English are our brothers. 
We must help them. We have sent the wam¬ 
pum belt to the Great Chief. We have given 
him good words. We have struck the war post. 
We have sung the war songs. We are ready to 
tight. The French are our enemies. All of you 
know about Tor-toh-ne. You know what he came 
here to do. Acliawi was too sharp for him. 
The words of Achawi came true. Now we 
know that the Great Chief and his people are 
our friends.. If we do not help them, the 
French will come into our country and drive us 
from our villages. It is what they propose to 
do.” 

He paused and turned toward the Oneidas. 
For some moments he studied them in silence. 
Then he pointed his finger at the warrior who 
had been seated beside him. 

“This man is Standing Elk, he is a great 
warrior,” he said. “My brothers, I will ask 
Standing Elk to give you some words. ’’ 

As Ha-yo-went-ha seated himself, the Oneida 
rose to speak. He was a short, powerful man 
in the prime of life. For a moment he glanced 
around the circle of warriors, and then he be- 

219 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


gan to talk in strong, vibrant tones that reached 
to the far end of the camp. 

“My brothers, we have come here to tell yon 
about the great fight,” he said. “My people 
feel bad about it. Many of our brothers were 
killed. Everything went against us. The 
white chief and his warriors were very foolish. 
They would not listen to our words. The great 
war bird gave us warning, and Broken Face, 
our leader, told the white men about it. He 
told them something bad would surely happen. 
He asked them to turn around. They laughed 
at him. Then Broken Face listened to their 
words. We went ahead. It was bad. Pretty 
soon we caught sight of our enemies. We 
dropped back to warn the white men. Then 
we saw that they had been caught in a trap. 
The Hurons, and the Pottawattomies, and the 
Shawnees were all around them. Some white 
men with blue coats ran into the timber and 
fought as we fight. The others crowded to¬ 
gether in the road, like frightened children. 
When we saw that, we rushed upon our enemies 
and tried to drive them back. We were in the 
thick of the fight., That is how so many of our 
brothers were killed. Then the white men fired 
the great guns. They were very powerful. 
They knocked down the trees, and made a ter- 

220 




THE COUNCIL FIRE 


rible noise, like He-no, The Thunderer. My 
brothers, I have been in many fights, but I 
never saw anything like that. The Hurons 
were frightened and dropped back. We called 
the white men to run after them. They would 
not come. They stood in the road. Then the 
Hurons stopped running. They came back 
and tried to drive us away. We held them off. 
Pretty soon the great noise stopped. We did 
not know what to make of it. Broken Pace 
went back to find out what had happened. 
When he came back he said, ‘The white men are 
running away/ ” 

Standing Elk paused, and glanced sharply at 
the Mohawks. Their faces were calm and emo¬ 
tionless, but their eyes flashed excitedly. In a 
few moments the Oneida resumed his talk. 

“My brothers, there was no one left to help 
us but the white men in the blue coats and some 
scouts. Kichkinet and his brother Achawi 
were with those scouts. They were very brave. 
They held back many Hurons. 

“When we told our people about this thing 
it made them very mad. They said, ‘ Our 
brothers went to help the white chief and his 
warriors, but the white men ran away and left 
them to fight alone. We see that we were fool¬ 
ish to go into this fight. Now we will stay in 

221 




JIM MASON , £(70 DT 


our lodges, and let the white men fight alone . 7 

“My brothers, when Broken Face heard 
those words he was very mad. He said, ‘My 
friends, your words are bad. What will the 
Mohawks say about this thing? They have 
made war against the French. We have prom¬ 
ised to help them. They are our brothers. We 
must go through with it . 7 Then my people 
said, ‘Perhaps our brothers, the Mohawks, do 
not know about this thing. Perhaps, when they 
find out about it, they will be very mad. Per¬ 
haps they will go to the Great Chief and take 
away the wampum belt . 7 

“Then Broken Face sent us here to tell you 
about it. I am the leader. I have brought you 
the words of my people. My brothers, tell me 
how you feel about it . 77 

For a long time the Mohawks failed to reply. 
They were talking softly among themselves, 
and Jim watched with grave anxiety. He 
would have given much to know their thoughts. 
Then Da-yo-ho-go rose to his feet. The Mo¬ 
hawks instantly became quiet. Ha-yo-went-ha 
glanced sharply at Short Dog. 

“My brothers, I could have told you about 
this thing, for I saw it in a dream , 77 declared 
the wily old Medicine Man. “I saw many war¬ 
riors moving through the woods. Some were 

222 




THE COUNCIL FIRE 


our people, and some were white men. I saw 
the great war bird flying over them. The war 
bird was screaming like a frightened woman. 
Then all the warriors looked into the sky. I 
saw a great war leader talking and shaking his 
head, but I did not hear his words. I saw many 
white men laughing at him. Pretty soon the 
war bird flew away toward a place where there 
were many lodges. I saw the women and chil¬ 
dren, and I knew it was a village. Then I said, 
4 The war bird is calling back that great war 
party. Something bad is going to happen.’ 
Then the warriors went ahead.. They did not 
turn around. Then I said, ‘Hi, those people 
are very foolish. Something bad will surely 
happen to them.’ Now, my brothers, you see 
that my words have come true.” 

He paused, and shook his head. The Mo¬ 
hawks watched solemnly. Jim flushed with 
anger. He had detected the falsehood with 
which Da-yo-ho-go hoped to deceive and influ¬ 
ence the superstitious Mohawks. It was a 
clever bit of stratagem, and Jim feared the 
result. For an instant Jim was tempted to ex¬ 
pose .Da-yo-ho-go as an impostor, but the warn¬ 
ing of Colonel Johnson flashed through his 
mind and kept him silent. In the meantime 
the Medicine Man had resumed his talk. 

223 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“My brothers, Broken Face was very foolish' 
to go ahead. He listened to the words of the 
white men. They do not know about such 
things. It is bad to listen to their words. You 
see that much harm has come of it. The words 
of the Oneidas are good. We will stay in our 
village and let the white men fight alone. If 
we go out to help them, we will be wiped away. 
There will be no one left but the white men. 
The war bird has warned us. My brothers, 
we must listen to his words/’ 

“It is true,” declared the Oneidas. 

“Achawi, I will ask you to tell my people 
about this thing,” said Ha-yo-went-ha. 

Jim walked into the center of the council 
circle. Kichkinet stood beside him to interpret 
his words. The Mohawks waited anxiously to 
hear him. Welcomed to their village the pre¬ 
vious year, as the son of a man whom they had 
trusted and loved, Jim had still further won 
their esteem and gratitude by exposing the 
treachery of a crafty French spy, and captur¬ 
ing the man who had killed one of their aged 
warriors. Having learned that their friend, 
Achawi, possessed a brave heart and a truth¬ 
ful tongue, the Mohawks gave careful consider¬ 
ation to his words. 

“My friends, I have listened to the words of 

224 




THE COUNCIL FIRE 


Standing Elk, and Da-yo-ho-go, and now I will 
tell you something different/’ said Jim. “I 
was in that fight with my brother Kichkinet. 
He was very brave. I saw him do many big 
things. The Oneidas were very brave. Broken 
Face is a great war leader. It was a big fight. 
The white chief and his warriors were brave, 
but they did not know how to fight in the woods. 
They did not run away. They fought until most 
of them had been killed. Then they had to fall 
back. It was the only thing to do. If they 
stayed there, not one of them would have es¬ 
caped. Mohawks, you are brave warriors, but 
when the fight goes against you do you stand 
before your enemies to be killed? I do not be¬ 
lieve you are so foolish. 

“Standing Elk says his people are mad about 
this thing. He says they do not wish to help 
their white brothers. It is bad. Da-yo-ho-go 
says if you help the Great Chief and his people 
you will be destroyed. I do not believe it. 
The things I have told you have come true. 
Now listen sharp to my words. My people are 
very mad about this thing. The young men are 
crying out for war. Many warriors are coming 
across the big water to help us. They are 
bringing the great guns to blow away the 
French forts. We have set out to drive away 

225 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


our enemies. Pretty soon you will see them 
running into the north., Will you help us, or 
will you sit in your lodges like frightened old 
women? You have sent the wampum belt to 
my people. You have struck the war post, and 
sung your war songs. Does a Mohawk turn 
around when he has set out to help his friends ? 
No, my brothers, I do not believe it. The 
French are sharp. They are the friends of 
your enemies the Hurons, and your enemies the 
Shawnees. If the French overcome my people, 
there will be no one to help you. Then the 
French will bring the Hurons and the Shawnees 
to live in your lodges. My friends, think about 
this thing before it is too late. I am your 
brother. I have talked good words about you 
to my people. Make them come true. 

“Now, Mohawks, I will give you the words 
of the Great Chief. He is about to lead his 
warriors to tight the French. You all know 
about that great man. He has done many 
things to help you, You know that he will not 
turn around. You know that he will not run 
away. You know that he will do what he has 
set out to do. He wishes the Mohawks to help 
him. He wishes many brave scouts to find out 
about his enemies. He says, ‘My brothers, the 
Mohawks, are brave. I will call them. They 

226 




TEE COUNCIL FIRE 


will come to help me.’ He has sent me here to 
be the leader. Mohawks, will you follow me?” 

As Jim finished speaking, Kichkinet struck 
his tomahawk into the war post. 

“The Great Chief and his people are my 
friends; I will follow Achawi,” he cried. 

“My friends, you have heard the words of 
Achawi; you have seen my son strike the war 
post; now I will ask you what you propose to 
do!” said Ha-yo-went-ha. 

“We will go to help the Great Chief and his 
people,” cried the Mohawks. “We will follow 
Achawi. ’ ’ 

Many warriors rushed forward and struck 
the w T ar post. Ha-yo-went-ha turned to the 
Oneidas. 

“My brothers, tell your people what we pro¬ 
pose to do,” he said. 

“Great chief, my people will follow their 
brothers, the Mohawks,” declared Standing 
Elk. 

“Good!” Jim cried, joyously. 




CHAPTER XVII 


JIM LEADS A WAR PARTY 

J IM was greatly encouraged at the result of 
the Mohawk council. It convinced him that 
for the moment, at least, the influence of old Da- 
yo-ho-go had been overcome, and the Mohawks 
were sincere in their pledge to Colonel John¬ 
son. Seventy-five famous warriors and scouts 
had enlisted for the expedition against Crown 
Point. 

‘ 4 Mohawk, your people have done a great 
thing,’’ Jim said, gratefully. 

“My people are your friends,” declared 
Kichkinet., 

“It is true,” replied Jim. 

He realized that a great responsibility had 
fallen upon him. Having assumed command of 
the Mohawks, he believed that they would ex¬ 
pect him to lead them to victory. Should he 
fail, he feared that his influence with them 
would be at an end. For the moment the thought 
alarmed him. It was his first attempt at lead¬ 
ership, and he wondered if he could fulfill the 

228 


JIM HEADS A WAR PARTY 


requirements. Many of the warriors who had 
joined the war party were men of mature years 
and ripe experience, and he realized that with 
such critical veterans of the war trail a blunder 
would be inexcusable. The commission which 
he had received from Colonel Johnson suddenly 
assumed a new significance. Jim determined 
to be worthy of it. 

“Kichkinet, you must help me in what I am 
about to do,” he told the Mohawk. 

“Achawi, you are the leader,” replied Kich- 
kinet. “What you ask me to do, I will do; 
what you wish to know, I will tell you.” 

“Good,” said Jim. 

The following day the warriors who had 
joined the war party assembled before the 
lodge of Ha-yo-went-ha. They made a bold ap¬ 
pearance, and Jim looked upon them with re¬ 
spect and admiration. They had streaked their 
faces with charcoal, the symbol for war, and 
some had decorated their bodies with red and 
yellow clay. Their scalp locks were orna¬ 
mented with tufts of fur and the feathers of 
the hawk and the eagle. They were naked, ex¬ 
cept for the buckskin breech-cloth, and but few, 
even among the older men, carried blankets. 
Most of them carried their bows, but there were 
some who were armed with a long barreled rifle 

229 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


of tlie white man. Each warrior was provided 
with a small buckskin bag containing several 
days’ rations of charred corn and maple sugar. 
Every fourth or fifth man carried a set of fire 
sticks. All carried tomahawks and hunting 
knives. 

Jim saw many famous warriors in the com¬ 
pany. Among them were Stands Alone, a 
great war leader, who had led his people in 
many fights with the Shawnees; Little Bear, a 
noted scout; Black Cloud, who had killed more 
bears than any other man in the tribe; Dancing 
Wolf, another noted warrior; and Yellow 
Eagle, who had led the Mohawks in a long war 
with the Hurons. 

The entire tribe had assembled to witness the 
departure of the war party, and for a long time 
the village resounded with the wild strains of 
the war songs, and the boastful shouts against 
the enemy. The women, however, were sub¬ 
dued and quiet, as they glanced timidly at the 
stalwart men who were about to leave them and 
face the perils of the war trail. Some of the 
old women were already wailing and shaking 
their heads. The old men, however, were cack¬ 
ling gleefully, and telling of their own bold ex¬ 
ploits in the years that had gone. 

Then the Mohawks suddenly became silent 

230 





JIM HEADS A WAR PARTY 


as Ha-yo-went-ha came from the lodge with 
Short Dog and old Da-yo-ho-go, who carried the 
sacred medicine pipe. Jim was somewhat dis¬ 
turbed at the appearance of the Medicine Man. 
He wondered if he was about to make another 
protest against the expedition. For some 
moments they looked admiringly upon the war 
company. Then Ha-yo-went-ha began to speak. 

“My brothers, I see that you are ready to 
follow Achawi upon the war trail/ ’ he said. 
“It is good. I see many great warriors stand¬ 
ing before me. I know you are brave. I be¬ 
lieve you will do big things. You must try hard 
to help the Great Chief drive away our enemies. 
I believe Achawi will be a good war leader. He 
is very brave. Now, my brothers, Da-yo-ho-go 
will ask Ha-wen-ne-yu and the Good Spirits to 
help you.” 

The Medicine Man called for an ember, and 
a young lad brought one from a small fire be¬ 
fore one of the lodges. Da-yo-ho-go lighted 
the medicine pipe. He puffed smoke toward 
the sky. Then he raised the stem of the pipe. 

“Great Ha-wen-ne-yu, smoke this sacred 
pipe, and feel good toward us,” he cried. “You 
see many brave warriors standing here. They 
are about to go on the war trail. Great Ha- 
wen-ne-yu, take pity on them. Make them 

231 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


strong and brave. Make them sharp enough to 
overcome their enemies. Help them to do what 
they set out to do. Bring them back to their 
people.” 

He lowered the pipe, and pointed the stem 
toward the ground. 

“ Great Underground People, smoke this 
sacred pipe and feel good toward us,” he said. 
“Pretty soon you will hear the feet of many 
warriors. They are our brothers, the Mo¬ 
hawks. They are going to fight our enemies. 
Great Underground People, help our brothers. 
Make them strong and brave. Listen for the 
steps of our enemies, and tell our brothers 
about it.” 

Then he extended the pipe toward the east, 
the south, the west and the north. 

“Great Wind Makers, smoke this sacred pipe 
and feel good toward us,” he said. “These 
brave warriors are about to set out on the 
war trail. Watch over them. Blow away the 
danger. Bring them warning of our ene¬ 
mies.” 

Da-yo-ho-go turned toward the warriors. 
For some moments he studied them in silence. 
Then he puffed smoke toward them. 

“‘My brothers, the smoke from this sacred 
Medicine Pipe will make you strong to fight 

232 




JIM HEALS A WAR PARTY 


your enemies,” he told them. “I talked 
against the thing you are setting out to do. I 
tried to make you give it up. Now I see that 
you are going ahead with it. Well, I will not 
talk any more against it. You are my brothers. 
I must help you.” 

When Da-yo-ho-go finished speaking, Kich- 
kinet turned to Jim. 

“Achawi, you are the leader, you must give 
my people some words,” he said. 

“My friends, we are about to go to help the 
Great Chief,” Jim told the Mohawks. “It is 
good. I believe your brothers will do big 
things. You must keep thinking about them. 
You must ask Ha-wen-ne-yu to help us.” 

A few moments afterward the war party 
marched away. Many warriors were left be¬ 
hind to guard the camp. Men, women and chil¬ 
dren assembled at the edge of the village, sing¬ 
ing the war songs and shouting encouragement. 
When they had crossed the clearing about the 
camp, and reached the edge of the woods, the 
warriors halted and raised their voices in the 
ringing war cry of their nation. It echoed de¬ 
fiantly through the wilderness, and threw the 
camp into an uproar. Then the war party dis¬ 
appeared into the forest. 

6 ‘ Kichkinet, you know the way, you must lead 

233 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


us,” Jim told the Mohawk. “How far off is 
the Carrying Place V 9 

“Four day’s travel,” said Kichldnet. 

At sunset they stopped for the night beside 
a little stream that flowed through a dense 
grove of massive hemlocks. As they were 
within their own hunting grounds they had 
little fear of foes, and they lighted several fires 
and broiled the game which they had killed 
during the day. Then the stern Mohawk war¬ 
riors relaxed and became as jolly and carefree 
as boys. They talked, and joked, and sang 
their war songs until far into the night. 

“My brothers have light hearts,” Kichkinet 
told Jim. “It is good.” 

The following day they became more cau¬ 
tious. They were advancing toward the north, 
and they realized that there was a possibility 
of encountering French scouting parties. 
Warned of the peril, Jim sent scouts through 
the woods to guard against blundering into an 
ambush. Toward the end of the day Little 
Bear returned from the north, and talked ex¬ 
citedly with Kichkinet. The Mohawks listened 
soberly. When Little Bear finished his story, 
Kichkinet turned to Jim. 

“Achawi, Little Bear and his brother, Black 
Cloud, have found our enemies,” he said. 

234 




JIM HEADS A WAR PARTY 


Jim exclaimed in surprise. 

6i Tell me about it,” be said, eagerly. 

“Little Bear and Black Cloud were traveling 
along the top of a ridge, and they heard some 
people talking below them. They hid in the 
bushes and waited a long time. When those 
people passed on, our brothers went down the 
ridge, and found many tracks. They were 
leading the same way we are going. Little 
Bear and Black Cloud set out to follow them. 
Pretty soon they heard those people again. 
They were talking, and laughing and making 
a great noise. Our brothers circled around and 
got ahead of them. Then they hid in the bushes 
and watched, Pretty soon they heard those 
people coming toward them. Then they saw 
them. They were Shawnees. They were 
painted for war. There were many warriors. 
Then Little Bear and Black Cloud came back to 
tell us about it.” 

‘ 6 It is bad—we must watch out,’ ’declared Jim. 

That night he assembled the Mohawks for a 
council. They appeared considerably disturbed 
by the discovery of the Shawnees. 

“My brothers, you have heard the words of 
Little Bear,” Jim told them. “Our enemies, 
the Shawnees, are close by. I believe they are 
going to help the French. We must be cautious. 

235 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Stands Alone, yon are a great war leader, tell 
me how you feel about this thing.’’ 

“Achawi, those Shawnees are going the same 
way we are going; they are far from their vil¬ 
lage; it looks bad,” declared Stands Alone. “I 
believe what you say is true. I believe they are 
going to help the French.” 

“It is a great war party,” said Black Cloud. 

“My brothers, we have set out to fight our 
enemies; now we have found them. Come, we 
will go and drive them back to their village,” 
a young warrior proposed, impulsively. 

“No,” said Jim. “We have set out to help 
the Great Chief. We must go ahead until we 
find him. If we go to fight the Shawnees, some 
of you may be killed. Then the Great Chief 
will say, ‘Achawi is foolish. He was leading 
many brave warriors to help me, but he left 
some of them behind.’ My brothers, we must 
keep ourselves strong to help the Great Chief.” 

“The words of Achawi are good,” declared 
Dancing Wolf. “He is the leader. We will 
do as he tells us to do.” 

“Perhaps the Shawnees will come over here 
and find us,” said Yellow Eagle. 

“Then we will show them how to fight,” 
laughed Jim. 

“It is good,” cried the Mohawks. 

236 




CHAPTER XVIII 


A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 

T HE night passed without incident, and at 
dawn Jim and the Mohawks resumed their 
way through the wilderness. Alert to the peril 
of colliding with the Shawnees, Jim sent Stands 
Alone and Little Bear and Black Cloud toward 
the west to watch their enemies. 

“Stands Alone will find out about them,” 
Kichkinet said, confidently. 

“Good,” replied Jim. 

Later in the day, as they were moving cau¬ 
tiously along an open valley between high 
wooded hills, they suddenly heard the call of 
the great horned owl. It sounded from the 
ridge to the southward, and they immediately 
stopped to listen. In a few moments the call 
was repeated. Then, after a short interval, 
they heard it again. 

“It is the call of my people; it is mysteri¬ 
ous,” Kichkinet told Jim. 

The Mohawks were suspicious of the signal. 
Their scouts had gone toward the north, and 

237 


JIM MASON, SCOUT 


as the call had sounded in the south they felt 
quite certain that it had not come from Stands 
Alone and his companions. 

“Who can it be?” Jim asked, curiously. 

“I believe it is a trick,” Dancing Wolf said, 
uneasily. “Perhaps the Shawnees are trying 
to lead us into a trap.” 

The Mohawks nodded solemnly. 

“We must watch sharp,” cautioned Yellow 
Eagle. 

At that moment the call was repeated. It 
seemed to come from the top of the ridge. They 
were confused and alarmed. Had the Shaw¬ 
nees separated, and caught them in a trap? 

“My brothers, I do not believe it is the Shaw¬ 
nees,” Jim told the Mohawks. “If the Shaw¬ 
nees had come this way, Stands Alone and his 
brothers would have told us about it. Stands 
Alone is a great war leader. I do not believe 
the Shawnees have fooled him. If the Shaw¬ 
nees were on that ridge they would be foolish 
to let us know about it. They would not make 
the call of your people. My brothers, I be¬ 
lieve some one on that ridge is trying to call us. 
There is no answer. That call must be for us. 
Come, Kichkinet, make the answer, and we will 
see what comes of it.” 

The Mohawks shook their heads. It was evi- 

238 




A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


dent that they disapproved the plan. Kich- 
kinet looked uneasily at Jim. The latter 
nodded. 

“My brother, do as I ask you to do,” Jim 
said, sharply. 

“You are the leader, I will listen to your 
words,” agreed Kichkinet. 

He replied to the signal. Three times he 
imitated the deep, solemn notes of the horned 
owl. Then they waited anxiously. At last an 
answer sounded half way down the ridge. It 
was not repeated. The Mohawks appeared 
surprised. 

“That tells us that whoever made that call 
is coming here,” said Kichkinet. “Only our 
people know about that call. I do not know 
what to make of it.” 

“It is mysterious,” declared the Mohawks. 

“See, see, there is some one moving through 
the woods at the bottom of the hill!” cried Yel¬ 
low Eagle, as he pointed excitedly toward the 
ridge. 

“Watch out,” cautioned Jim. 

They saw a figure passing swiftly between 
the trees. A few moments afterward a man 
appeared at the base of the hill. He was 
dressed in buckskins, and appeared to be a 
white man.. He looked toward them and waved 

239 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Ms cap. Then Jim suddenly recognized him. 

“It is Dan Holcombe!” he cried, excitedly. 

Kichkinet told the Mohawks, most of whom 
had already recognized the white man. 

“The words of Achawi have come true; he 
is a good leader,” they said. 

“Well, Jim, I thought you an’ your Injuns 
were goin’ to run away from me,” Holcombe 
laughed, as he joined them. “However, it’s 
well to be cautious.” 

“Dan, I certainly am glad to see you,” Jim 
said, heartily. “How did you find us?” 

“This is a bad place for talkin’,” Holcombe 
told him, as he glanced uneasily about the ex¬ 
posed valley. 

“You are right,” agreed Jim. 

They moved into the timber, and stopped be¬ 
side a little spring to talk. The Mohawks gath¬ 
ered about them, and Kichldnet translated the 
words of the scout. 

“The Colonel sent me out to look for vou,” 
Holcombe told Jim. “Most of the troops have 
moved up to the great lake, an’ the Colonel 
wants you to go there. I lmowed the Mohawks 
traveled along this valley, an’ I figured I might 
head you off by coming here.” 

“Has the advance against Crown Point been 
begun!” Jim asked, anxiously. 

240 




A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


“Not yet,” Holcombe told him. “You’ll 
have a chance to take a hand in it. The Colo¬ 
nel wants us to find out how things stand at 
the French fort.” 

“Good,” said Jim. 

Holcombe smiled at Jim’s enthusiasm. 

“Dan, have you seen the Shawnees?” Jim 
asked him. 

“Are those rascals about?” 

“Yes; our scouts discovered a big war party 
some distance to the northward. They appear 
to be moving toward the Carrying Place.” 

“That’s bad,” declared Holcombe. “How¬ 
ever, they’ll turn off before they come near the 
end of the lake. It’s likely they’re on their 
way to join the French at Ticonderoga.” 

While they were talking, Stands Alone and 
his companions returned. As Holcombe was 
familiar with the Mohawk tongue he translated 
their words for Jim. 

“Stands Alone says he found the Shawnees,” 
he said. “They have turned off toward the 
north. It’s what I expected to hear. They’re 
goin’ to the French fort. Stands Alone says 
it’s a great war party. He says three Shaw¬ 
nees for every Mohawk. Jim, with the Hurons, 
an’ Ojibwas, an’ Shawnees scoutin’ for the 
French, an’ the Mohawks helpin’ us, the woods 

241 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


will be as full of Injuns as of trees. We ’ll have 
to look sharp to keep our hair.” 

“That we will, Dan,” laughed Jim. 

The following day they advanced into a 
rough, mountainous country, and Holcombe 
said they were approaching the great lake of 
which he had spoken. At midday they saw 
it from the top of a ridge. Jim was astonished 
at its size. It nestled between great pine clad 
mountains, and stretched away for many 
leagues toward the north. 

“What a splendid body of water,” Jim cried, 
enthusiastically. “Has it been named?” 

“Colonel Johnson has named it Lake 
George, in honor of the king,” Holcombe 
told him. 

At the close of the day they arrived at the 
end of the lake, and found a great force of 
provincial militiamen encamped along the 
shore. They had made a wide clearing in the 
heavy forest, and erected their tents among the 
stumps of the fallen trees. The latter had been 
piled around the borders of the camp to form a 
breastwork. Jim saw at once that the troops 
with Colonel Johnson far outnumbered those 
who had accompanied General Braddock, and it 
filled him with hope for the success of the ex¬ 
pedition. 


242 




A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


“I believe we shall have better luck this 
time,” he told Holcombe. 

“For sartin,” declared the scout. 

They were told that Colonel Johnson was at 
his headquarters at the other end of the camp, 
and they left the Mohawks in charge of Stands 
Alone, and went to report, A sentry halted 
them before the tent. 

“Tell Colonel Johnson that Lieutenant 
Mason has come to report,” said Jim. 

Dan Holcombe turned to him in surprise. 

“Well, bless my body, Jim, I never heard 
about it,” he cried. “Why didn’t you tell me 
you’d been promoted? Here I’ve been talkin’ 
familiar like, an’ callin’ you Jim, an’ you an 
officer an’ likely to report me to the Colonel 
for disrespect.” 

“Never fear, Dan,” Jim assured him. “We 
are fellow scouts.” 

“But Lieu—” 

“Jim!” cried Jim* 

“All right, Jim, my boy,” laughed Holcombe. 
“An’, do you know, lad, I’m powerful glad you 
feel that way about it.” 

“Lieutenant Mason, Colonel Johnson awaits 
you,” said the sentry. 

They found Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant 
Gordon examining a map which they had 

243 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


spread across the top of an empty powder keg. 
Both of them wore buckskins. 

“Lieutenant Mason, I see that Dan Holcombe 
has found you,” said Colonel Johnson. “Have 
you brought the Mohawks?” 

“Seventy-five warriors have responded to 
your call,” Jim told him. 

“Do you hear that, Gordon?” Colonel John¬ 
son cried, gayly. “I knew they would not fail 
us. We shall find much for them to do. But 
tell me, Lieutenant Mason, have you heard or 
seen anything of our enemies?” 

“Our scouts discovered a large war party of 
Shawnees,” Jim told him. “They appear to 
have gone toward the French fort.” 

Colonel Johnson glanced at his aide. Lieu¬ 
tenant Gordon nodded. 

“The French will fill the woods with their 
Indians,” he said. 

“Lieutenant Mason, I have an important task 
awaiting you,” said Colonel Johnson. “How¬ 
ever, at the moment my plan is not completed. 
If you will return within the hour, I shall be 
prepared to give you instructions.” 

“Very good, sir,” replied Jim. 

The scouts left Colonel Johnson and walked 
slowly through the camp. Jim was greatly im¬ 
pressed by the strength and character of the 

244 




A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


troops that had been mobilized for the advance 
upon Crown Point.- The entire force was com¬ 
posed of provincial militia. They presented a 
far different appearance than the spick and 
span English regulars and the blue coated Vir¬ 
ginians whom Jim had seen in Virginia. Few 
of them were provided with uniforms, and 
many were dressed in buckskins. Several of 
the New England regiments were composed en¬ 
tirely of backwoodsmen, and Jim felt confident 
that they were fully competent to meet the 
crafty Canadians and their Indians. 

“If we had only had such men in Virginia,” 
he said, sadly. 

Holcombe nodded. 

“It takes woodsmen to understand Injun 
fightin’,” he said. 

Jim had an opportunity to make a thorough 
inspection of the camp before it was time to 
report to Colonel Johnson. It was located on a 
flat stretch of rocky ground at the extreme 
southern end of the lake. On one side it was 
bordered by a heavy pine forest; on another by 
a marsh; and on the third by a low wooded hill. 
The lake formed a barrier along the front of the 
camp. Jim noted that several cannons had 
been placed behind the breastwork of fallen 
trees. The men had already begun work on a 

245 




JIM MjISON, SCOUT 


p————" — 

log block bouse, or fort, and it was evident that 
Colonel Johnson planned to hold the position 
against further encroachments of the French. 

“What a glorious country/’ Jim told Hol¬ 
combe. 

“Yes, it’s nice,’’ agreed Holcombe. *‘Plenty 
of water, plenty of woods, plenty of game—an’ 
plenty of Injuns. What more could we ask?” 

Jim laughed. 

For some moments they stood at the edge of 
the camp, and looked out over the darkening 
waters of the lake. It stretched far away into 
the north, and offered a gateway into the 
stronghold of the French. A magnificent for¬ 
est of spruce, and balsam and pine clothed its 
shores, and above it towered great mountains 
that cast their gloomy shadows into its placid 
depths. 

6 6 Dan, how long is this great lake ? ’ 9 inquired 
Jim. 

“Almost ten leagues,” Holcombe told him. 
“Then it narrows up an’ leads into Cham¬ 
plain. 9 9 

“That is where we shall meet the French,” 
said Jim. 

“Jim, we’ll meet ’em before that,” declared 
Holcombe. “They’re hustlin’ hard to make a 
fort near the place where this lake enters 

246 





A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


Champlain. The Injuns call it Ticonderoga, 
an’ I believe we’ll have to fight to take it. I 
guess that’s the spot the Colonel wants us to 
watch.” 

“Perhaps,” said Jim. 

Soon afterward he went to report to Colonel 
Johnson., He found him alone in his tent. 

“Lieutenant Mason, I am somewhat troubled 
by news of French activity at the head of the 
lake,” he said. “It is a spot which the Indians 
have named Ticonderoga. It commands the ap¬ 
proach to Champlain, which, as you probably 
know, is the gateway to the French fort at 
Crown Point. I have reason for believing that 
the French plan to erect a fort and make a de¬ 
termined stand at Ticonderoga. I wish to 
learn if my suspicions are correct. The infor¬ 
mation can be obtained only by a bold and skill¬ 
ful reconnaissance. For this important work 
I must have a leader upon whose judgment I 
may depend. I have chosen you. You are at 
liberty to select your own company, which will 
be entirely under your orders and supervision. 

' I desire you to leave on the morrow. Your task 
will be to obtain complete information concern¬ 
ing the French activities at Ticonderoga. Spare 
no pains to make your observations accurate 
and complete. I feel quite certain that the 

247 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


French have strong forces of Indians and Ca¬ 
nadians scouting along the borders of the lake, 
and it is probable that you will encounter them. 
However, I know that you are sufficiently bold 
and resourceful to overcome them, and fulfill 
your task with credit.” 

“Thank you, sir,” said Jim. “I shall do my 
best.” 

“It is all I ask,” Colonel Johnson assured 
him. “While you are away, I shall employ 
the Mohawks to search the woods in the vicinity 
of our camp, for I believe the French may at¬ 
tempt to slip by us and attack the new fort 
which Colonel Lyman has completed at the 
Carrying Place.” 

“Colonel Johnson, may I enlist Dan Hol¬ 
combe for my company?” Jim asked, eagerly. 

“As Chief of Scouts with his Majesty’s 
forces, you may enlist whomsoever you desire,” 
Colonel Johnson told him. 

4 ‘ Then I shall enlist Kichkinet and Dan Hol¬ 
combe,” replied Jim. 

“An excellent selection,” agreed Colonel 
J ohnson. 

Jim soon took his departure, and hastened to 
find his friends. Darkness had fallen, and 
the troops were eating at the evening fires. 
Jim found many old friends among the militia- 

248 




A CAUTIOUS ADVANCE 


men from Fort Johnson. He had expected to 
find Holcombe and Kichkinet with them. 

“They’re probably with the Mohawks,” a 
militiaman told him. “The Injuns have their 
own fire out there at the edge of the woods.” 

He saw the fire glimmering brightly between 
the trees. The Mohawks had been given a side 
of beef, and they were feasting in high spirits. 
Kichkinet and Holcombe had joined them. Jim, 
too, seated himself in the jolly circle about the 
fire. 

“Dan, I have great news for you,” he said, 
enthusiastically. “Colonel Johnson has or¬ 
dered us to reconnoiter about Ticonderoga. ” 

“I sort of expected it,” Holcombe said, 
quietly. 

“Kichkinet, I will ask you to go with us,” 
Jim told the Mohawk. 

“It is good,” declared Kichkinet. 




CHAPTER XIX 


A NARROW ESCAPE 

A S the lake was a favorite highway for 
French war parties, Jim and his com¬ 
panions believed it would be perilous to attempt 
their journey in a canoe. They determined, 
therefore, to advance cautiously through the 
woods along the shore, 

“It’s slower travelin , , but it’s also safer,’’ 
declared Holcombe. “Our job is to keep out of 
sight until we find out what w T e want to know. 
If the French or their Injuns get sight of us 
they’re likely to make things interestin’. It’s 
got to be a game of hide and seek, with us doin’ 
most of the hidin’. 

“Dan, you are as cautious as an old Fox,” 
laughed Jim. 

“In this country, caution makes the hair 
grow,” replied the scout. 

They left the camp shortly before sunrise, 
and began the long, perilous journey into the 
north. A narrow Indian hunting trail extended 
through the woods, within bowshot of the water, 

250 


A NARROW ESCAPE 


and they followed it. It led through a fragrant 
forest of spruce and hemlock, where the grim 
black shadows of the night still lingered be¬ 
neath the trees. Great clouds of mist rose from 
the water, and were wafted away on the morn¬ 
ing breeze. Fish were feeding, birds called 
from the edge of the woods, and in a sheltered 
cove they saw a deer feeding in a patch of lilies. 
Then the sun rose, and the farther shore of the 
lake was tinted with gold. The brilliant foliage 
of birches and maples gave warning that sum¬ 
mer was already on the wane. Jim looked about 
him with keen appreciation. His soul was filled 
with the silent, brooding peace of the wilder¬ 
ness. 

“Dan, with this vast and glorious country at 
their disposal, it does seem a pity that men 
cannot live together in peaceful harmony,” he 
said. 

4 ‘ They could, if the French would stay where 
they belong,” Holcombe told him. 

Jim nodded thoughtfully. 

They continued along the hunting trail until 
the end of the day, and then as it turned from 
the water, and led away toward the east, they 
left it and advanced directly through the woods. 
At sunset they stopped for the night on a high 
wooded bluff that offered a splendid view of the 

251 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


lake. They found the remains of a fire in a 
little opening between the trees. 

“Many days old,” said Holcombe. 

Kichkinet nodded. 

Fearful of making a fire, they ate the jerked 
venison which they had brought from the camp. 
Then they watched silently while the day came 
to an end, and the twilight shadows settled upon 
the lake. Jim was serious and thoughtful. His 
mind was filled with thoughts of the approach¬ 
ing encounter with the French.! Having wit¬ 
nessed the calamitous defeat of the forces in 
Virginia, he realized the necessity for a decisive 
victory over the French at Crown Point. He 
dreaded to think of the results from another 
failure. However, the character of the troops 
and officers with Colonel Johnson gave him con¬ 
fidence. Most of them had been recruited from 
the isolated backwoods settlements along the 
frontiers, and he believed that they were far 
better qualified for wilderness warfare than the 
troops that had accompanied General Brad- 
dock. Jim realized, too, that much might 
depend upon the thoroughness with which he 
and his companions performed their task, and 
he was prepared to risk his life if necessary to 
obtain the desired information. 

“Hi, yi, thar’s music,” laughed Holcombe, 

252 




A NARROW ESCAPE 


as a lynx screamed from the opposite side of 
the lake. 

They listened for some time, but the call was 
not repeated. They wondered if it had been a 
signal. 

However, as there was no answer, and it 
had sounded perfectly natural, they finally de¬ 
cided that it was genuine. 

“It seemed all right to me,” declared Hol¬ 
combe. 

“I heard nothing wrong with it,” Jim told 
him. “Mohawk, do you believe it was a 
signal ? ’’ 

“No,” replied Kichkinet. 

Darkness had fallen, and the night hush had 
settled upon the wilderness. Then the moon 
appeared above a mountain on the other side 
of the lake. As it moved slowly into the sky it 
blazed a wide silvery trail across the water, 
and drove the shadows from the edge of the 
woods. The scouts kept a sharp watch for 
their foes. 

“This is the time they’re likely to move along 
the lake,” said Holcombe. 

A moment afterward a meteor flashed across 
the sky, and Kichkinet turned anxiously to his 
companions. 

“It is bad,” he declared. 

253 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“How so, Mohawk!” Holcombe inquired, 
curiously. 

“It is bad,” repeated Kichkinet. “Pretty 
soon we will see our enemies.” 

“That’s likely enough,” laughed Holcombe. 
“Anyway, it’ll be all right if we see ’em 
first.” 

They took turns at watching through the 
night, but saw nothing of their enemies. At 
sunrise they resumed their way along the lake. 

“Now we’re gettin’ into dangerous country,” 
said Holcombe. 

Soon afterward they discovered two canoes 
moving slowly down the lake. There were three 
Indians in each canoe. The scouts watched 
anxiously from the edge of the woods. The 
canoes passed within easy rifle range, and 
both Holcombe and Kichkinet recognized the 
paddlers as Ojibwas. 

“Well, Jim, the game of hide an’ seek has 
started, an’ so far we’re ahead,” laughed Hol¬ 
combe. “But I can’t figure why those Injuns 
are movin’ down the lake in daylight. It don’t 
appear like good sense.” 

“It is mysterious,” agreed Kichkinet. 
i Jim was equally perplexed. 

“Thar’s only one way to figure it,” Hol¬ 
combe declared, finally. “They don’t expect 

254 




A NARROW ESCAPE 


to find ns so far np the lake. It’s likely they 
think we’re keepin’ close to the camp.” 

“Do yon believe they know abont the camp?” 
Jim asked him. 

“For sartin,” replied the scout. “I’ll wager 
their scouts knowed abont it as soon as the 
first tree fell. They’re keepin’ close watch on 
things np here.” 

“Dan, if they feel so sure that we are at the 
other end of the lake, it should be easy to 
approach the fort,” Jim said, hopefully. 

“I’m not so sure of that,” Holcombe told 
him. 

They advanced with great caution, making 
frequent visits to the edge of the lake to watch 
for their foes. The latter, however, failed to 
appear. At the end of the day Holcombe said 
that Ticonderoga was less than half a day’s 
journey away. They climbed to the top of a 
high hill and looked eagerly toward the north. 
Holcombe pointed out what appeared to be a 
wide gap in the forest, far away at the end of 
the lake. 

“That’s where the French are buildin’ their 
fort,” he said. 

“Ticonderoga?” Jim asked, eagerly. 

“Ticonderoga,” replied Holcombe. 

255 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


‘‘What does it mean,” Jim asked the Mo¬ 
hawk. 

“Big noise/’ said Kichkinet. 

“It’s where the rapids come into the lake,” 
explained Holcombe. “Now, Jim, we’re in a 
risky place, an’ we’ve got to he cautious. We’d 
best travel by night an’ hide by day until we 
get out of here.” 

“I agree,” said Jim. 

“It is good,” declared Kichldnet. 

They waited until it was dark, and then they 
advanced along the top of the ridge. They had 
noted that it continued almost to the end of the 
lake, and they believed it would afford them a 
splendid view of the French camp. At dawn, 
however, they suddenly discovered that the 
ridge ended abruptly in a steep rocky hillside 
that dropped sharply to the level of the lake. 
The camp was hidden by a high wooded hill a 
rifle shot beyond them. 

“We’ve got to get up thar,” said Holcombe. 

They descended carefully into the narrow 
gorge that cut through the ridge, and toiled to 
the top of the hill. Then they saw the French 
camp directly below them. It was located 
beside the lake, on a long narrow strip of land. 
The clearing was dotted with hundreds of tents, 
and a great fleet of barges and canoes were 

256 




A NARROW ESCAPE 


drawn up at the edge of the water. An un¬ 
finished fort stood in the center of the clearing. 
Eamparts of earth and logs had been thrown 
up on three sides of it. A bugle echoed sharply 
between the hills, and the notes had barely died 
away before the troops appeared from the 
tents. Jim looked upon them in dismay. He 
saw at once that they far outnumbered the 
forces with Colonel Johnson. In addition to the 
troops there was a vast throng of Indians and 
several companies of Canadians. 

“Dan, we must warn Colonel Johnson of 
this,” Jim told Holcombe. “I believe it would 
be folly to attempt to take this place with the 
force at his disposal.’’ 

Holcombe kept silent. He was staring 
thoughtfully at the lake. It was a long time 
before he spoke. 

“I’ve got it,” he cried, at last. “Now I 
know why those Ojibwas went down the lake. 
They are scouts, goin’ to make sure that the 
way is clear. Don’t you see all those barges an’ 
canoes lined up along the shore? Well, think 
about it. What does it mean? I’ll tell you. It 
means that the French are goin’ down the lake 
to fight Colonel Johnson.” 

“Dan, you don’t—” 

“Yes, I do,” cried Holcombe. “Thar’s not a 

257 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


minute to spare., We’re lucky to find out about 
it, an’ we’ll be still luckier to beat ’em to the 
camp with the news. Once they start down the 
lake, they’ll make us hustle to keep ahead of 
’em. Come on, we’ve got to move.” 

“Ah, messieurs, do not be in de hurry,” 
laughed a taunting voice behind them. 

They turned in alarm, and saw a dark 
skinned man in buckskins threatening them 
with his rifle. For a moment they stared at him 
in speechless amazement. All three of them 
had recognized him. 

“La Valle!” cried Jim. 

“Ah, monsieur, you know me, eh?” taunted 
the half-breed. “Eet ees good. Wen you mak 
de Mohawks try for keel me, you tink Tor-yoh- 
ne ees gone, eh? Ah, no, monsieur, Tor-yoh-ne 
ees too sharp for dat.” 

Kichkinet moved his hand toward the toma¬ 
hawk in his belt, and La Valle faced him with 
threatening eyes. 

“Stop!” he cried, warningly, as he aimed 
his rifle at the Mohawk. “One tarn Tor-yoh-ne 
ees your fren, but you mak heem your enemy. 
Mak de move, an’ I keel. Messieurs, you come 
way up here for see fine view, eh? Wall, Tor- 
yoh-ne come up here every day for see dat view. 
She’s gran view, messieurs. Look aroun’. You 

258 




A NARROW ESCAPE 


see de beeg lak, you see de big woods, you see 
de big mountains. Look, messieurs, you will 
not see dem again.” 

He raised bis voice in a shrill, piercing call 
that reverberated among the hills. Kichkinet 
glanced swiftly toward the nearest tree. La 
Yalle anticipated his intentions. 

“You mak de jomp, an’ I keel your Hens,” 
he warned. “Monsieur Ma-son, eet would geeve 
me de beeg pleasaire to keel you, but I will 
let de Shawnees do dat.” 

At that moment Holcombe looked sharply 
into the woods behind the half-breed, and cried 
out eagerly. 

‘ ‘ Come on boys, you Ve got him! ’ ’ he shouted. 

It was a wily stratagem, and La Valle was 
deceived. He flashed about to face .the peril, 
and at that instant Holcombe raised his rifle 
and fired. La Valle spun around and fell back¬ 
ward into the bushes. Jim .and Kichkinet rush¬ 
ed forward and found him lying dead. 

“You killed him,” Jim said, soberly. 

Holcombe nodded. He was hurriedly reload¬ 
ing his rifle. Voices sounded below them on the 
hillside, and they realized that La Valle’s shout 
had brought his friends. There was not a mo¬ 
ment to lose. 

“Come,” cried Holcombe. 

259 





JIM MASON, SCOUT 


He turned toward the lake. Then they moved 
cautiously down the hillside. Some one called 
directly ahead of them. They stopped and 
looked at one another in alarm. 

“We have been surrounded,” said Jim. 

“Let ’em pass us,” Holcombe told him. 

They took shelter behind trees, and waited 
for their foes to appear. Shouts and signals 
sounded on all sides of them. Holcombe’s shot 
had aroused the camp. Each moment of delay 
was perilous. Still they feared to move. Then 
they saw several Indians approaching cau¬ 
tiously through the timber. 

“Shawnees,” Kichkinet told Jim. 

They passed almost within leaping distance 
of the concealed scouts. A bedlam of sound 
came from the top of the hill. 

“They’ve found La Valle; we’ve got to run,” 
said Holcombe. 

They rushed down the hillside. Two Cana¬ 
dians saw them and raised the alarm. A rifle 
ball passed close above their heads. 

‘ ‘ Keep goin ’, ’ ’ cried Holcombe. “ We ’ll make 
for the lake.” 


260 




CHAPTER XX 


THE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 

O NCE past their foes, the three scouts 
turned southward along the shore of the 
lake. They found an old hunting trail some dis¬ 
tance back from the water. As it offered easy 
traveling, they followed it until it turned off 
toward the eastern ridges. Then they plunged 
recklessly into the woods. Shouts and signals 
sounding through the forest behind them gave 
warning that their enemies were in hot pur¬ 
suit. 

“We have a good start,’’ Jim said, hopefully. 
‘‘Watch out for the lake,” Holcombe warned 
him. “They’ll take to the canoes, and try to 
get ahead of us.” 

They set an exhausting pace, and Jim feared 

that Holcombe might give out. It was not long, 

however, before he learned that the veteran 

scout was as agile and untiring as his younger 

companions. When they had gone a league, or 

more, they slackened their pace. Then, a short 

distance farther on, they approached the edge 

261 


\ 


JIM MASON , SCOUT 


of the water and looked anxiously up the 
lake. 

“Here they come!” cried Holcombe. 

Several canoes swept around a long project¬ 
ing arm of the shore. There were two men in 
each canoe, and they were paddling des¬ 
perately. 

“Now, we’ve got to do some REAL movin',” 
cried Holcombe. 

They raced away at top speed. Holcombe 
led, and Jim and Kichkinet followed close be¬ 
hind him. The dense forest was free from 
undergrowth, and they traveled with little diffi¬ 
culty. It was not long, however, before they 
learned that the canoes were gaining upon 
them. The discovery filled them with despair. 
They had reached the limit of their powers, and 
were unable to move faster. Then Holcombe 
suddenly turned toward the east. 

“We must get away from the lake,” he said. 

“It is good,” agreed Kichkinet. 

Once out of sight of the lake, they neither 
heard nor saw anything further of their foes. 
They believed they had eluded them, and the 
thought gave them hope. At midday they 
stopped beside a little stream to rest. 

“Dan, do you believe the French know who 
we are?” Jim asked, anxiously. 

262 




THE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


“It's likely they’ll guess,” Holcombe told 
him. 

4 ‘ Then perhaps they will abandon the idea of 
advancing against the camp.” 

Holcombe shook his head. 

“Jim, my boy, that’s just what they WON’T 
do,” he sakL “They’ll set out at once, hopin’ 
to catch Colonel Johnson before he can get 
ready for ’em. We’ve got to keep movin’.” 

A short time afterward they resumed their 
way. Each league took them into safer coun¬ 
try, and they felt encouraged. They stopped 
for another short rest at sunset, and then, as 
they felt quite certain that their foes were 
behind them, they again turned toward the lake. 

“They’ll give it up at dark,” said Holcombe. 
“However, the war party mil set out long 
before that. We’ve got to keep goin’ till we 
reach the camp. ’ ’ 

They traveled steadily through the night, and 
early the following day reached the spot where 
the hunting trail from the camp turned from 
the water. Holcombe stopped and looked 
soberly up the lake. Then he shook his head 
and laughed. 

“Jim, I guess we’ve beat ’em—so far, any¬ 
way,” he said. 

“It was a hot race,” Jim told him. 

263 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Holcombe nodded. 

“Dan, I believe it might be a good plan to 
leave Kichkinet here to watch for the French, 
while we hurry on to warn Colonel Johnson. ” 

“I was just thinkin’ about it,” replied Hol¬ 
combe, “It's the thing to do.” 

“Mohawk, watch here until you see our 
enemies,” Jim told Kichkinet. “Then come 
fast to tell the Great Chief about it.” 

“It is good,” agreed Kichkinet. 

A few moments later Jim and Holcombe has¬ 
tened away. Toward sunset they arrived at the 
camp. They passed the sentries, and went 
directly to the headquarters of Colonel John¬ 
son. They found him with several other officers. 
He looked up anxiously as they entered the 
tent. 

“Where is Kichkinet?” he asked, quickly. 

“He is watching at the spot where the trail 
leaves the lake,” Jim explained. 

“Are our enemies approaching?” Colonel 
Johnson asked, in amazement. 

“I fear so, sir,” replied Jim. “We found 
the French camp filled with troops and Indians. 
Their force is vastly superior to our own. The 
fort is unfinished, but it is protected by strong 
ramparts. A great fleet of barges and canoes 
were drawn up along the shore. Dan Hol- 

264 




TEE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


combe believes that the French were preparing 
to move down the lake to attack yon. The day 
previous we saw two canoes containing six Ojib- 
was. Their appearance on the open lake in 
daylight perplexed us. Holcombe believes they 
were scouts, sent out in advance of the war 
party.” 

“Did you see the French actually embark?” 

“No,” said Jim. “While we were watching 
from the top of a hill we were suddenly sur¬ 
prised by Tor-yoh-ne—” 

“ Tor-yoh-ne! ” cried Colonel Johnson. 

Jim nodded. 

“Colonel Johnson, but for the sharpness of 
Dan Holcombe, I fear we would have met a 
miserable death at the torture stake of the 
Shawnees. I prefer that Holcombe shall tell 
you about it.” 

“Speak, Dan,” Colonel Johnson said, eag¬ 
erly. 

“Colonel, thar’s not much to tell,” the scout 
said, modestly. “We were watchin’ thar on 
that hill, an’ then La Valle called out behind us. 
How he got thar, or where he come from, I can’t 
say. Anyway thar he was, talkin’ sassy an’ 
pintin’ his rifle at us. He had us in a bad fix, 
an’ I seen he meant business. The Mohawk 
tried to pull a trick, but La Valle was too sharp. 

265 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


Then I fooled him. An ’—well it was him or us, 
an’ I shot him.” 

“Tor-yoh-ne is dead?” 

Holcombe nodded. 

“It is the fate which he has merited for a 
long time,” declared Colonel Johnson. “I am 
glad to know that we shall be relieved of his 
evil influence. It has caused endless misunder¬ 
standing and difficulty between the Indians and 
ourselves.” 

He turned and spoke briefly with his officers. 
A moment afterward they left the tent. Then a 
bugle sounded, and orders echoed through the 
camp. It was evident that preparations for 
defense were under way. Jim felt relieved. 

“Continue, Lieutenant Mason,” said Colonel 
J ohnson. 

“Tor-yoh-ne had called to arouse the camp,” 
Jim told him. “We soon heard his friends 
advancing up the hillside. Then we were forced 
to run, and they followed us some distance 
down the lake. That is all, sir.” 

“Lieutenant Mason, you and your fellow 
scouts have rendered valuable service, and I 
highly commend your courage and ability.” 

“Thank you, sir,” replied Jim. 

“Now, gentlemen, as both of you show evi¬ 
dences of fatigue, I beg that you will rest from 

266 




TEE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


your exertions until we have further need of 
your services. You will find quarters in an 
unoccupied tent, which the sentry outside will 
point out to you.” 

They were shown to a tent close beside the 
tent of Colonel Johnson. It was provided with 
cots and blankets, and the wearied scouts soon 
w^ere sleeping soundly. 

In the meantime the camp was prepared for 
the expected attack from the French. Couriers 
were sent to summon aid from the troops at the 
Carrying Place, five leagues away. The men 
were assembled and assigned to positions. The 
artillerymen waited beside the cannons. A’ 
strong force of sentinels were posted beyond 
the breastworks, and the Oneidas watched 
grimly at the border of the lake. 

“Now let them come,” cried a militiaman- 
“We’ll give them a dose they will be likely to 
remember.” 

The night passed without alarm, however, 
and at daylight the anxiety lessened. Jim and 
Holcombe were talking with Colonel Johnson at 
his quarters when they were interrupted by the 
sentry. 

“Colonel, there’s a young Mohawk outside, 
and he wishes to see you,” he said. “ He comes 

267 





JIM MASON , SCOUT 


from the lake, and says he has important 
news.” 

“It is Kichkinet,” cried Jim. 

“Bring him in,” said Colonel Johnson. 

Kichkinet entered the tent. He was wet with 
sweat, and appeared exhausted. 

“Speak, my brother,” Colonel Johnson told 
him. 

“Great Chief, I bring bad words,” he said. 
“A great French war party has come down the 
lake. They came ashore up there where the 
trail turns away. They have set out to follow 
it. There are many white men and many 
Indians. I do not know where they are going. 
I came very fast to tell you about it.” 

“I fear they are going to attack our fort at 
the Carrying Place,” said Colonel Johnson. 
“We must turn them back.” 

“They are very strong,” Kichkinet warned 
him. 

Colonel Johnson called the sentry, and dis¬ 
patched him to bring the officers. They has¬ 
tened to join him. The scouts attempted to 
leave, but Colonel Johnson detained them. 

“Wait, I may require your services,” he told 
them. 

Then he turned to his officers. 

“Gentlemen, the Mohawk brings alarming 

268 




THE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


information,’’ lie said. “The French have 
come down the lake and disembarked at the 
turn of the trail. They have followed it into 
the woods. I fear they are going to attack Fort 
Edward. We must turn them back. Colonel 
Williams, I desire that you shall assemble three 
regiments, and march to intercept our foes. If 
you require reinforcements, dispatch a courier, 
and I will send them. In the meantime I shall 
send couriers to warn Colonel Blanchard at 
Fort Edward.” 

Soon afterward Colonel Williams led a thous¬ 
and militiamen into the wilderness to intercept 
the French. The troops at the camp cheered 
enthusiastically at their departure. Kichkinet 
shook his head. 

“It is not enough,” he said. “The French 
have many more warriors.” 

Within an hour heavy tiring in the woods to 
the eastward of the camp gave warning that 
Colonel Williams and his force were engaged 
with the French. The men at the camp listened 
anxiously. It was not long before the noise of 
battle sounded considerably nearer. Colonel 
Johnson and his officers turned to one another 
with anxious faces. 

“They’re failin’ back,” Dan Holcombe told 
Jim. 


269 




JIM MASON , SCOUT 


Jim stared at him in alarm. A dreadful pos¬ 
sibility flashed through his mind. Had Colonel 
Williams blundered into another French am¬ 
bush. He refused to believe it. 

“No, no, it cannot be possible,” he cried. 

“Sounds powerful like it,” declared Hol¬ 
combe. 

They listened fearfully. The sound of mus¬ 
ketry steadily drew nearer. The camp was 
thrown into an uproar, as the troops suddenly 
realized that their companions were retreating 
before the enemy. Bugles sounded the assem¬ 
bly, officers ran about shouting orders, supplies 
of ammunition were rushed to the breastworks, 
as Colonel Johnson made ready to defend him¬ 
self against the French. 

“Let me lead the Mohawks to help our 
troops,” Jim begged him. “They are invalu¬ 
able in such fighting. ” 

“Go, my brave lad,” said Colonel Johnson. 

“Come, Kichkinet,” Jim cried, gayly. 

They rushed from the camp, and joined the 
Mohawks who were waiting silently at the edge 
of the woods. 

“Give my words to your brothers,” Jim told 
Kichkinet. “Mohawks, we must help our 
friends. Come, I will lead you.” 

“It is good,” replied Stands Alone. 

270 





THE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


Jim hastened toward the sounds of battle. 
Within half a league they came upon the troops 
of Colonel Williams. They were fighting des¬ 
perately to hold oft a great throng of French, 
Canadians and Indians that outnumbered them 
four to one. The provincial militiamen were 
fighting cautiously from behind trees, and 
although forced to give way they were retreat¬ 
ing in good order. 

“Mohawks, strike your enemies!” shouted 

Jim. 

They charged boldly upon a company of 
Shawnees that were attempting to get behind 
the retreating troops. The fierceness of their 
attack threw the Shawnees into confusion, and 
before they rallied the militiamen withdrew 
from their predicament. Slowly, stubbornly, 
they yielded ground to their foes. Strive as 
they might, however, the French were unable 
to throw them into disorder and rout. Aided 
by the Mohawks, who waged a gallant and effec¬ 
tive fight against the Shawnees, the provincial 
troops continued their slow, cautious retreat 
toward the camp. When they finally reached 
the edge of the little clearing they made their 
stand. 

At that moment reinforcements clambered 
over the breastworks and rushed to assist their 

271 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


comrades. At the end of a desperate fight the 
French and their Indians were driven back. 
The Mohawks followed close behind them, 
whooping fiercely, and striking terror into the 
hearts of the French regulars. The latter 
retreated in disorder, and the provincials seized 
the opportunity to reach the camp. The Mo¬ 
hawks soon followed them. 

They had barely climbed over the breast¬ 
works before the French rallied, and rushed 
furiously to the attack. Led by the white clad 
French regulars, they exposed themselves with 
reckless courage, and were almost at the breast¬ 
works when the cannons at the edge of the 
camp halted them with a destructive volley of 
small shot. Awed by the noise and power of 
the great guns, the Canadians and Indians gave 
way and ran toward the woods. The regulars, 
however, continued the attack. Time after time 
they charged toward the camp, but each time 
they were driven back with heavy loss. At 
last they, too, retreated to the edge of the 
woods. A mighty cheer rose from the camp. 

“Hurrah, we have driven them off!” the 
troops shouted, joyously. 

They aimed the cannons at the edge of the 
timber, and soon drove the enemy farther into 
the forest. Then, encouraged by their success, 

272 




THE BATTLE AT LAKE GEORGE 


the officers led their men over the breastworks, 
and advanced boldly upon their foes. Led by 
the Mohawks, they charged into the woods, and 
drove the French before them. The retreat 
soon became a rout, and French, Canadians 
and Shawnees fled wildly through the wilder¬ 
ness with the Mohawks and provincial troops 
in close pursuit. They won a decisive victory, 
and returned to the camp with many pris¬ 
oners, including General Dieskau, the com¬ 
mander of the French forces. 

When darkness finally settled upon the lake 
the camp resounded with the joyous celebration 
of victory. A great fire was lighted, and the 
Mohawks danced wildly about it, singing their 
boastful war songs and filling the woods with 
the fierce war cry of their nation. The white 
men gathered about them, and cheered wildly. 
Then Colonel Johnson sent for Jim. 

“Lieutenant Mason, you are a brave scout 
and a gallant officer,’’ declared Colonel John¬ 
son. “I desire to thank you for your timely 
and valuable assistance. But for you and your 
Mohawks I fear the troops beyond the camp 
might have been surrounded and destroyed. I 
have received a full account of the action. Both 
officers and men give you high praise.” 

273 




JIM MASON, SCOUT 


“I have tried to do my duty, sir,” Jim told 
liim. 

“You have succeeded nobly,” replied Colonel 
Johnson. “My only regret is that I shall be 
compelled to postpone a further advance 
against Crown Point until I receive the neces¬ 
sary reinforcements to assure the success of 
the expedition. In the meantime I shall build 
a strong fort here, and leave a garrison to 
maintain our supremacy at this end of the lake. 
Our people will feel greatly encouraged at our 
victory. With sufficient men, I believe we shall 
be equally successful at Crown Point.” 

“I feel sure of it, sir,” Jim declared, con¬ 
fidently. 

(i) 


THE END 





FICTION FOR MEN AND BOYS 


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Exciting experiences in a clash between old and new 
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A story of frontiersmen and Indians, and of Sir Wil¬ 
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CAP FALLON, FIRE FIGHTER 

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Gallant exploits of the New York City Fire Depart¬ 
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One of Mr. Gregor’s Western Indian Series. A 
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A story of a boys’ summer camp, and more than this, 
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By Edward Edson Lee 

There is room for fun and excitement in business, 
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There is as much to write about in a small high 
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Four stories, which may be read separately, in which 
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